Social
The Arts
Reamker, Cambodia's national epic, is a poem derived and adapted from the Ramayana, the famous Indian epic. Like the Ramayana, it is a philosophical allegory. It is not only confined to the realm of literature, but also extends to all Cambodian art forms, from sculpture to dance drama, painting and art.
Reamker, Cambodia's national epic, is a poem derived and adapted from the Ramayana, the famous Indian epic. Like the Ramayana, it is a philosophical allegory. It is not only confined to the realm of literature, but also extends to all Cambodian art forms, from sculpture to dance drama, painting and art.
Stone Sculptures
Many sculptures were carved. Most of them being sculptures of religious and mythological creatures. The following are Phnom Da sculptures that are carved from single blocks of fine-grained sandstone. They depict both the Buddhist and Hindu divinities, supporting the presence of divine kingship in the Khmer Empire.
Many sculptures were carved. Most of them being sculptures of religious and mythological creatures. The following are Phnom Da sculptures that are carved from single blocks of fine-grained sandstone. They depict both the Buddhist and Hindu divinities, supporting the presence of divine kingship in the Khmer Empire.
Metal Works
A number of bronze statues have survived, though it is believed that most have been stolen or lost due to war or melted down. Zhou Daguan reported that gold and silver jewellery were common in Khmer society. Bronze objects found by archaeologists include hammocks, fans, parasols and litters. A fragment of the statue was found near the West Baray in Angkor/Yasodharapura, ce.1936 which is believed to be a bronze statue of the Hindu god Vishnu. Through this statue, we know that the Khmer society had knowledge and respect for Vishnu as well as Hinduism, and were greatly influenced by it.
A number of bronze statues have survived, though it is believed that most have been stolen or lost due to war or melted down. Zhou Daguan reported that gold and silver jewellery were common in Khmer society. Bronze objects found by archaeologists include hammocks, fans, parasols and litters. A fragment of the statue was found near the West Baray in Angkor/Yasodharapura, ce.1936 which is believed to be a bronze statue of the Hindu god Vishnu. Through this statue, we know that the Khmer society had knowledge and respect for Vishnu as well as Hinduism, and were greatly influenced by it.
Wayang Kulit - Shadow Puppetry
- It is a form of art used by traders and priests who came from India to spread Hinduism
- The Khmers adopted and preserved the art of shadow puppetry for religious purposes, as well as for education and reaffirmation of cultural beliefs.
- In Cambodia, shadow puppetry is performed during sacred temple ceremonies and private functions, as well as for the public in the villages
- This shows that shadow puppetry is part of the Khmers' customs and tradition
Food
Kari in Cambodia was influenced by the Indian local dish, curry. It was modified through the adding of local ingredients, giving it a distinctive Cambodian flavour.
Kari in Cambodia was influenced by the Indian local dish, curry. It was modified through the adding of local ingredients, giving it a distinctive Cambodian flavour.
Language
Sanskrit
Khmer - the official Cambodian Language
Sanskrit
- It was an important form of communication and was used by many people in the society. This can be supported by the fact that we get most of our knowledge of the Khmer empire through inscriptions written in Sanskrit.
- Indianisation is also supported through the spread and usage of the language.
Khmer - the official Cambodian Language
- The language was greatly influenced by southern Indian language as it borrowed heavily from the Sanskrit
- The Khmers assimilated Brahmanism and Hinduism together with Sanskrit and the Pallava script
- The presence of cultural borrowing and assimilation supports the process of Indianisation