The South Asian region comprises the modern nations of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldive Islands. For at least 5000 years this region has been one of the main centers of civilization and was the cradle of two major world religions, Hinduism and Buddhism; both traveled beyond South Asia to influence the cultures of East and Southeast Asia. Objects from South Asia in the Asia Society collection date from the 2nd century C.E. to the 18th century and come from the present-day countries of India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. |
|