PLACE NAMES OF INDIAN ORIGIN IN SE ASIA

Place Names Of Indian Origin In South East Asia


There are many place names in South East Asia which have Indian origins. 
And the names are still in use. Some have retained their pristine pure form. But others have changed in forms. 


These names can be found in Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, and to a lesser extent, in Phillipines and Malaya.
Many of the places in the above countries have modern names. But they had ancient names which were of Indian origin. 


Kedah was ancient Kadaaram. It was also known as Kataaha and Kaalzagam. A hundred and fifty years ago, it was under the suzerainty of Thailand. At that time it was called Saipuri. Pahang was IndraPura. 
Perlis is IndraKayangan.
Sabah was Indra Sabah.
Perak was GangaNagara.
Penang was Pulau Pertama.


Bangkok has a very long Sanskrit name which is used in official functions. Very very long name, actually. 


"Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit"


What does it mean?


"The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (of Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn."


Well......
For many male tourists, it is the City Of Angels alright. 


And some of the names are still in use. Some have retained their pristine pure form. But others have changed in forms. 


Phillipines was Lingapura. It is still known as Likkam in Tagalog language. Phillipines is named after a Spanish King - Phillip. 
It was under Spanish rule until 1910. When it gained independance, they wanted to call it Likkam. But changed their minds because they thought the original word has also a 
different meaning which they did not like. 
Borneo Island was Varuna Dvipa. 
Singapore is very obvious.
Malacca was named after the Nelli tree which is called Aamalaka in Sanskrit, and in Malay it is known as Malaka.