The Ramayana is a peerless epic written in ancient Bharatvarsha by Maharshi Valmiki. Prof. Sylvain Levi, the great French orientalist, once said "India gave mythology to her neighbours". The Ramayana has influenced the culture of South-East Asian countries through drama, puppetry, and various performing arts. The Ramayana Civilization has had such an indelible impact that Thai Ramakien and Khon are still very popular today. Dances derived from Maharadia Lawana, such as Singkil and Hudhud, are very popular among young Filipinos. The Kakawin Ramayana of Java and Bali includes Muslims, whereas Ramayana-based plays are common in Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines.