Khmer History, Mythology, Gods, Deities and Information

The Kings of Angkor and their creations:

Jayavarman II (802-850) Established his capital at Roluos	Ak Thom, Phnom Kulen, Banteay Chmar
Jayavarman III (850-877)	–
Indravarman I (877-889) Presided over emergence of classical Khmer art, built first baray (Lolei)	Bakong, Preah Ko
Yasovarman I (889-900) Built a new capital at Angkor called Yashodharapura	Bakheng, Eastern Baray, Lolei
Harshavarman I (900-921)	Baksei Chamkrong, Prasat Kraven
Ishanavarman II (C921)	–
Jayavarman IV (921-941) Established his capital at Koh Ker, north of Angkor	Prasat Thom
Harshavarman II (941-944)	–
Rajendravarman (944-968) Moved capital back to Angkor	East Mebon, Pre Rup, started the Phimeanakas (Banteay Srei)
Jayavarman V (968-1001)	Continued building the Phimeanakas
Udayadityavarman I (1001-1002)	–
Suryavarman I (1002-1050) Influence of Mahayana Buddhism spread; Buddhist sculpture more common at Angkor	Added to the Phimeanakas, Grand Plaza, north and south Kleangs, Ta Keo, Royal Enclosure, Terrace of Elephants, Western Baray
Udayaditavarman II (1050-1066)	Baphuon, finished Western Baray
Harshavarman III (1066-1080)	–
Jayavarman VI (1080-1107)	Phimai ,Preah Vihear( both Thailand), Wat Phou (Laos)
Dharanindravarman I (1107-1113)	–
Suryavarman II (1113-1150) The greatest god-king	Angkor Wat, Cham Say Tevoda, Banteay Samre, Thommanon
Dharanindravarman II (c1160)	–
Yasovarman II (1160-1165)	–
Tribhuvanadityvarman (1165-1177)	–
Jayavarman VII (1181-1218) Expanded Khmer Empire further than ever before, adopted Mahayana Buddhism, incredible architectural legacy	Angkor thom, Bayon, Banteay Kdei, Ta Prohm, Terrace of the Leper King, added to Banteay Chmar, Preah Neak Pean, Preah Khan, Preah Palilay, Sras Srang, Sras Srei, Ta Som
Indravarman II (1218-1243)	–
Jayavarman VIII (1243-1295)	–

Suryavarman II

Suryavarman II is justifiably known to history because he built Angkor Wat, the pinnacle of Khmer art and architecture. Under him the Khmer kingdom expanded to encompass a large part of Thailand, South Vietnam, Laos and part of the Malay Peninsula. The years during which he built Angkor Wat (c 1113-1150) and other monuments were by no means peaceful ones. Although Angkor itself was not invaded, Suryavarman II fought many battles with the Dai Viet in the northern part of Vietnam (Annam) during the early years of his reign, and in the later years he fought the Chams in central Vietnam. These later battles were generally unsuccessful, due to the growing strength of the Chams, who would finally invade Angkor in 1177 to pillage and sack the city. Towards the end of his reign Suryavarman tried to establish Prince Harideva, younger brother of his first queen, on the throne of Champa. There was a battle in 1149 on the plains of Mahisa and Hariveda was killed together with all the Khmer troops. There are no inscriptions referring to Suryavarman II or his activities after this event so it is assumed he died in 1149 or 1150.

Jayavarman VII

Jayavarman VII is the most famous Khmer God-king. He introduced Buddhism and undertook massive building programmes. He retook Angkor from the Chams, who occupied it for four years, after the Khmers suffered their worst defeat in history. He ascended to the throne aged 55 and ruled for 40 years. After his death few major monuments were built, but the empire flourished. Visiting merchants spoke of ‘Cambodia the rich and noble’, and he was known for the compassion he felt for his people. He built 102 hospitals and a network of roads throughout his kingdom.

His principal architectural legacy was his capital, Angkor Thom ( Thom literally meaning great), which was begun in 1200. The mysterious and striking 12 th century Bayon was completed in 21 years and was his most ambitious architectural feat. He adopted Mahayana Buddhism; Buddhist principles replaced Hinduism. Jayavarman VII died in 1218 and the empire slipped into progressive decline. After Jayavarman VII no king seems to have been able to unify the kingdom by force of arms or personality (the introduction of Theravada Buddhism in 13 th century was a factor as it undermined the prestige of the king and the priests). By 1431 the royal capital was uninhabitable and Angkor was finally abandoned to the Siamese, who drove the Khmers out and made Cambodia a vassal of the Thai Sukhothai Kingdom.