What term describes the historical phenomenon in Southeast Asia characterized by the selective adoption of Indian religions and culture?

The term that best describes the historical phenomenon in Southeast Asia characterized by the selective adoption of Indian religions and culture is Indianization. This process involved the influence and integration of Indian cultural practices, languages, and religious beliefs, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism, into local societies. Indianization played a significant role in shaping the political, social, and cultural landscapes of various Southeast Asian kingdoms, such as the Khmer Empire and Srivijaya.

This process was not merely a straightforward adoption but involved selective assimilation, where local traditions and practices were intertwined with Indian influences, leading to a unique cultural synthesis. The impact of Indianization can still be seen today in various aspects of Southeast Asian culture, including art, architecture, and religion.

Hinduism and Buddhism are specific religions that were part of this broader Indianization process, while the Mongol Invasion refers to a different historical event unrelated to the cultural exchange between India and Southeast Asia.