If I get this right the existence of Theravada Buddhism in South East Asia depended on medieval missions from Sri Lanka. Without those, the Buddhism in South East Asia could diverge in all kinds of directions or be subject to some other common trend. I think it would be interesting if more tantric and Esoteric Buddhist influences spread to South East Asia instead.
But maybe there's also a question 'how much would this really change' given the local religions already incorpoate 'Hindu' and folk elements.
As WIs, what if Theravada Buddhism fell out of favour in Sri Lanka in the early 2nd millenium, or maybe it was conquered and held in the long term by the Cholas?
But maybe there's also a question 'how much would this really change' given the local religions already incorpoate 'Hindu' and folk elements.
As WIs, what if Theravada Buddhism fell out of favour in Sri Lanka in the early 2nd millenium, or maybe it was conquered and held in the long term by the Cholas?