Dvaravati is one of the earliest bases of Theravada Buddhism established in Southeast Asia. It is also one of the earliest cultures of Southeast Asia, and one of the early cultures of Thailand. However, it has long been ignored. The existing literatures relating to Dvaravati usually lean towards one side. They either states that Dvaravati has been Indianized, or that the people of Dvaravati have created their own art. Accordingly, this essay aims to explore to art of Dvaravati. It discusses the forms, styles and development of its art, adopting a perspective different from the above mentioned ones. It finds that many works of art of Dvaravati are the sculptures of Sakyamuni inspired by Theravada Buddhism, and that to this religion the people of Dvaravati have their own interpretation. Also, the essay argues that although the art of Dvaravati has been influenced by that of India, it has learnt from other cultures, e.g., Khmer and Java, synthesized them with indigenous one on the basis of local context, and created its new works.
