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South Asia

New Ways of Speaking, and Thinking, About Asia

Arif Dirlik: 'The enhanced global visibility of peoples of Asian descent suggests that there is no outer boundary to the notion of Asia.' more
Statue of Buddha in India

The Religions of South Asia

Essay introduces the complex and important role of religion in South Asia, from the earliest civilizations to present. more
A Buddha statue in Sakya Monastery, Seattle, WA. (Wonderlane/flickr)

The Origins of Buddhism

The life of Buddha, the emergence of Buddhism, basic tenets, and major sects throughout Asia. more
Reamker dancers in Cambodia. Photographer: lecercle/flickr

Reamker

This essay explores the theme of cultural diffusion by examining how the Indian epic, Ramayana, manifested itself in Cambodia. more
A leaf from a popular Indian comic book version of Ramayana.

Ramayana

The Ramayana is an all-popular epic in South and Southeast Asia. more
A Qur'an from Indonesia. Courtesy Lontar Foundation.

Islamic Calligraphy and the Illustrated Manuscript

The calligraphic tradition, which grew out of the demand for illuminated Qur'ans, became an important art form worldwide. more
A mosque in Isfahan, Iran. Photo: seier+seier+seier/flickr.

Islamic Belief Made Visual

Written for educators, this introductory essay on geometric motifs on Muslim architecture, texts and textiles. more
A group of girls dance to celebrate the birth of the prophet Mohammed in Citadeel, Amman, Jordan. (hazy_jenius/flickr)

Islam

This essay explores the relationship between Islam and secular politics in history. more
Religions of the Silk Road by Richard C. Foltz

Religions of the Silk Road

An Interview with author Richard C. Foltz. more
A beggar in Chennai, India

Poor Want a Job, Not Benevolence

About half of the world's population now lives on less than $2 a day. more