Page 90 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 5 | June - July 2024

Unveiling the linguistic ties
between Thailand and India.

B Y GR ACE CLARKE AND
AYU SH MADAN

ave you ever noticed the fascinating cultural similarities of temples such as Wat Arun, and the spiritual narratives depicted in
between India and Thailand? India’s rich and extensive Thai murals and scriptures all reflect ancient ties to Indian culture.
history has deeply influenced Southeast Asia, leaving its mark Even festivals in each region, such as Diwali and Loy Krathong, while
on religious practices, arts, scriptures, and language. In this commemorating different historical events, share common themes:
article, we explore the linguistic bridge linking Thai and the release of past misfortunes, the celebration of good over evil, and
Hindi, and reveal the shared heritage and cultural practices the symbolism of purification and spiritual renewal.
between these regions.
Today, the inclusion of Sanskrit in Thai school curricula underscores the
In Thailand, the mother tongue is deeply rooted in Balinese and awareness among Thai people of the connection between their language
Sanskrit. Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language that emerged after and Sanskrit. Understanding Sanskrit helps students comprehend
the Bronze Age, originated in the Swat and northern Punjab regions etymology and the meanings behind words, deepening their grasp
of what is now Pakistan. Although Sanskrit is no longer widely spoken of Thai language.
in daily life, its influence persists in dozens of languages across India,
Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and of course, Thailand. Both Thai and Hindi have their origins in Sanskrit, a phenomenon
known as cognation. Cognates are words that have been borrowed
Since the era of the Silk Road, trade facilitated the exchange of goods, from one language to another or have descended from a common
culture, language, and religion across Asia. It was during this time that ancestral language - Sanskrit, in this case. Many Thai words, particularly
Indian monks and scholars spread Hinduism and Buddhism across those related to religion, royalty, and the arts, have direct counterparts
the region. In Thailand, the impact of Sanskrit is evident not only in in Sanskrit and Hindi. These shared terms are not merely linguistic
the lexicon but also in its rich cultural practices infused with Indian curiosities; they serve as windows into the shared philosophical and
influences. cultural landscapes of the past, highlighting the enduring legacy of
The rhythmic patterns of traditional Thai music, the intricate designs Sanskrit in shaping the modern tongues of Thailand and India today.

90 | MASALA MAGAZINE JUN-JUL 2024