a) What is a mandala, and what are its origins?
b) In what ways does the mandala explain state formation in Southeast Asia? Using examples
from each of the readings, discuss the various Buddhist ‘mandala states’ that have arisen
throughout Southeast Asian history. Compare and contrast the different characteristics and
experiences to highlight the various ways Buddhism has affected state development.
c) How do historians today use the notion of a Buddhist mandala to explain and understand
pre-modern Southeast Asian state formation?
d) Is the mandala a useful way to understand and describe the political entities of Southeast
Asia, based upon your reading of the assigned works?