The Hidden History of the Thai-Bharat Connection

UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 2- International relation

Introduction

The 84th anniversary of the Bangkok Conference (15–23 June 1942) draws attention to a forgotten chapter linking India and Thailand. Their relationship was built on centuries of cultural, religious, linguistic, and commercial exchanges that later acquired political significance during India’s freedom struggle. The Thai-Bharat Cultural Lodge (TBCL)emerged as an important centre for Indian nationalists and played a key role in the developments that led to the formation of the Indian National Army (INA) and organised resistance against colonial rule..

Civilisational Foundations of India–Thailand Relations

Ancient Cultural Links: India and Southeast Asia have shared connections for more than two thousand years. Sanskrit, Buddhist, and Jain texts refer to the region as Suvarnabhumi and Suvarnadvipa, showing early interaction.

Trade as the First Bridge: Indian merchants travelled to Southeast Asia through sea routes. Trade in spices, aromatic wood, and gold created lasting commercial ties.

Spread of Indian Traditions: Merchants carried Indian religion, philosophy, traditions, and cultural practices to Southeast Asia. They were joined by Brahmin priests, Buddhist monks, scholars, and adventurers.

Formation of Indianised States: These interactions contributed to the rise of kingdoms influenced by Indian traditions. Funan and Lin-yi, established in the 2nd century CE, were among the earliest such kingdoms.

Idea of Greater India: European and Indian scholars described the region as Farther India, Greater India, or Indianised States. George Coedes used the term Farther India for areas influenced by Indian civilisation.

Non-Colonial Nature of Influence: Indian influence developed through existing trade and cultural contacts. It differed from European colonial expansion because long-standing relations already existed between the two regions.

Thailand’s Special Place in India’s Cultural Sphere

Historical Position of Thailand: Thailand formed part of the ancient Suvarnabhumi region. It was ruled by the Funan Empire, later by Dvaravati, and subsequently came under Khmer influence.

Religious Influence of Buddhism: The most important Indian contribution was Buddhism, introduced in the 3rd century BC by monks sent by King Ashoka. Buddhism later became deeply rooted in Thai society.

Coexistence of Religious Traditions: Brahmanism and Buddhism existed together in Thailand before the Sukhothai period. Several rulers followed Buddhist beliefs while also adopting Brahmanical customs.

Influence on Kingship and Worship: Indian ideas shaped concepts of divine authority and kingship. The Thai king came to be viewed as an incarnation of Vishnu, while deities such as Ganesha, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Indra are worshipped.

Language and Literary Connections: Thai contains many words of Sanskrit, Pali, and Dravidian origin. The Thai script developed from the Southern Indian Pallava script.

Ramayana Tradition in Thailand: The Ramayana survives in Thailand as Ramakien or Ramakriti. Its stories are depicted in temples and continue to influence cultural expression.

Evidence of Trade Settlements: A Tamil inscription at Takua-pa shows trade links with South India. The South Indian merchant group Manikarramam established settlements, temples, and water tanks in the region.

Architectural Legacy: Monuments such as Borobodur Stupa, Angkor Vat, and My Son Temple are important examples of Indian influence in Southeast Asia.

Thailand’s Contribution to India’s Freedom Struggle

Revival of Cultural Cooperation: A new phase began in 1927 when Rabindranath Tagore visited Siam and met King Prajadhipok. Their discussions highlighted the deep cultural links between India and Thailand.

Role of Swami Satyananda Puri: Prafulla Kumar Sen, later known as Swami Satyananda Puri, arrived in Bangkok in 1932. He became a respected academic and strengthened cultural links between the two societies.

Establishment of Dharam Ashram: The Swami founded Dharam Ashram in 1939. It became a centre for spiritual exchange and an important gathering place for the Indian diaspora.

Creation of the Thai-Bharat Cultural Lodge: The Ashram was transformed into the Thai-Bharat Cultural Lodge (TBCL) in December 1940. It soon emerged as a major platform for Indian nationalist activity.

Symbolic Assertion of Nationalism: The hoisting of the Indian Tricolour at TBCL openly expressed support for India’s independence. The act drew protests from the British authorities.

Political Mobilisation During War: With the outbreak of the Second World War, TBCL evolved from a cultural institution into a political centre. It became a meeting point for Indian nationalists and freedom activists.

Formation of the Indian National Council: The Indian National Council (INC) was established in Bangkok in December 1941. It helped coordinate civilian political efforts connected to the independence movement.

Contribution of Giani Pritam Singh: Giani Pritam Singh spread revolutionary ideas among Indians in Thailand. He also built links with Japanese intelligence through Major Iwaichi Fujiwara.

Bangkok Conference and the Birth of the INA

Historic Gathering in Bangkok: The Bangkok Conference (15–23 June 1942) brought together more than 100 representatives from Burma, Malaya, Singapore, and other parts of Southeast Asia.

Creation of a Unified Framework: The conference united different nationalist groups under a common political and military structure. It established the Indian Independence League (IIL) as the central organisation for overseas Indians.

Blueprint for the INA: A 34-point resolution was adopted during the conference. It laid down the official framework for the formation and functioning of the INA.

Independent Character of the Movement: The resolution stated that the INA would consist of volunteers and former prisoners of war. It would remain under the supervision of the IIL rather than the Japanese military.

Demand for Political Recognition: Delegates asked Japan to recognise India as an independent nation. They also sought recognition of the IIL as the legitimate representative of Indians abroad.

Sacrifice of Early Leaders: In March 1942, Swami Satyananda Puri and Giani Pritam Singh died in a plane crash while travelling to Tokyo. Their deaths strengthened the determination of the movement.

Leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: Netaji arrived in 1943 and assumed leadership of both the IIL and INA. He transformed the movement into a unified military and political force.

Mass Mobilisation Under Netaji: Thousands of civilians and former prisoners of war joined the movement. His call for “Total Mobilization” expanded support for the struggle.

Legacy of the Thai-Bharat Connection

Continued Role of TBCL: Even after military activities expanded, TBCL remained an important institutional bridge. It provided civilian and cultural support to the wider movement.

Link Between Freedom and Asian Liberation: The organisation upheld the idea that India’s freedom was connected to the broader liberation of Asia from colonial rule. This vision continued throughout the war years.

Post-War Suppression: After the war ended in 1945, Allied forces banned TBCL and imprisoned its leaders. The organisation faced severe restrictions.

Revival in 1946: Efforts led by Pandit Raghunath Sharma helped restore the Lodge in 1946. This ensured the continuation of its historical legacy.

Importance of Social Networks: The survival of the movement after the war showed the strength of cultural and community networks built over many years. These networks supported the struggle beyond military efforts.

Living Archive of History: Today, TBCL remains the only surviving institution from this period. It preserves rare documents, photographs, and records related to the Indian diaspora and the freedom movement.

Symbol of Enduring Friendship: The Lodge represents the long-standing friendship between India and Thailand. It reflects the shared commitment of both societies to anti-colonial ideals and cooperation.

Conclusion

The Thai-Bharat connection reflects the transformation of long-standing cultural ties into political cooperation during India’s freedom struggle. Institutions such as the TBCL, the Indian Independence League, and the INA gave this relationship a historic role in anti-colonial resistance. Today, the surviving legacy of TBCL continues to preserve this shared history and friendship between India and Thailand.

Question for practice:

Discuss the historical significance of the Thai-Bharat connection in shaping India–Thailand relations and supporting India’s freedom struggle.

Source: The Hindu