Ancient Kedah, known as Kadaram, is believed to be existed before 5th century A.D. It also being claimed to be older than Sri Vijaya Kingdom (centred in Palembang), Majapahit (centred in Java) and Angkor Wat (centred in Cambodia).
Kadaram was situated between two great civilization, India and China. It was a maritime trade route between these two civilizations. The south Indian Kingdoms such as Pandya, Chola and Pallava, traded and culturally colonised South East Asia at that time (1st to 13th century C.E.). Thus Indian cultural and political models and Indian religion were adopted. Infact, the whole Southeast Asia was Indianized. It was called Greater India.
About 3rd century C.E., there were many Indianized Kingdoms such as (Funan, Champa dan Kemboja in Indo-China, Sri Vijaya in Palembang, Majapahit in Java, Pan Pan, Tambralinga, Langkasuka, Chih Tu, Tun Tun, Takola, Kadaram (Bujang Valley) Kuala Selingsi and Gangga Nagara in Malay Peninsula).
Bujang Valley derives its name from Sanskrit word Bujanga means serpent or a dragon. It probably referred to the majestic Merbok river. In ancient time, since the South Indian kingdoms were Tamils, the place was called as Kadaram. Tamil literatures mentioned the place as kalagam, kadaram, kidaram and kataha.
Kadaram was a foremost and prominent maritime kingdoms of the times. One of Rajendra Chola's (1014-1044 C.E.) titles was 'Kadaram Kondan' shows the greatness of the Kingdom. One of the town in his Kingdom was Kadaramkonda Cholapuram. Even a Sivan Temple was named Kadaram Konda Cholaeswaram.
Till today, one can see how the Indian cultural, political and religious customs were adopted assimilated in the locals here. From the palace ceremonies, to the laymen daily life practices, belief systems, rituals, music, art, language, literature etc. shows the acculturation impulses and creations from India.
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