Splendid Angkor civilization from the Jayavarman II to Jayavarman VII: peace, independence, reconciliation, religion, and prosperity

  • HEM Thel Research Fellow, Centre for Culture and Peace Studies (CCPS), the Asian Vision Institute (AVI).
Keywords: Khmer empirePeaceIndependenceReconciliationReligionprosperity

Abstract

The Khmer Empire maintained power and peace from Jayavarman II in the 9th century to Jayavarman VII in the 13th century. The country covered the present Cambodia, and parts of Laos, Thailand, and southern Vietnam. Their outstanding leadership resulted in the splendid Angkor civilization across the Southeast Asian mainland. They were the architects of peace, culture, religious harmony, economic growth, and sovereignty. Jayavarman II was the founding king as he established the Khmer Empire. The power was passed from the founder Jayavarman II to Jayavarman VII, the king of devotees. For the most part, power was transferred among the royals peacefully during the Khmer empire, although some inscriptions also mention conflicts over the throne. Regardless of whether the king came to the throne legally or illegally, most of them devoted their lives to building a country with development and prosperity. In addition, the Khmer Empire gained in power from one generation to another. Those kings led the Khmers to achieving a substantial empire.
Published
2022-06-30