Cambodia Period of Decline, 1431-1863 Scholars frequently assert that the decline of the Khmer Empire was precipitated by the drain on its economy, and on the morale and energy of its people, caused by the continual and monumental construction program at Angkor. Dynastic rivalries took their toll, and slave rebellions are also thought to have hastened the demise of the empire. Over the centuries, the Khmer kings never completely pacified the countryside. Khmer martial spirit survived, as was demonstrated by uprisings and rebellions, either spontaneous or contrived, throughout periods of foreign encroachment and domination. Among the significant rebellions was one that occurred beginning in 1840 which resulted in Cambodia's being placed under the joint suzerainty of Thailand and Vietnam (see Domination by Thailand and Vietnam, ch. 1). Data as of December 1987
CAUSES OF DELCINE : After Jayavarman VII's death, Kambuja entered a long period of decline that led to its eventual disintegration. A. The Thai were a growing menace on the empire's western borders. B. The spread of Theravada Buddhism, which came to Kambuja from Sri Lanka by way of the Mon kingdoms, challenged the royal Hindu and Mahayana Buddhist cults. Preaching austerity and the salvation of the individual through his or own her efforts, Theravada Buddhism did not lend doctrinal support to a society ruled by an opulent royal establishment maintained through the virtual slavery of the masses. (from Library of Congress Country Studies) ============================================================= --- On Sat, 10/4/08, Sarin Nou <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: From: Sarin Nou <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: CAMBODIA : the Angkor period & causes of decline To: [email protected] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Saturday, October 4, 2008, 2:51 PM Cambodia THE ANGKORIAN PERIOD : The Angkorian period lasted from the early ninth century to the early fifteenth century A.D. In terms of cultural accomplishments and political power, this was the golden age of Khmer civilization. The great temple cities of the Angkorian region, located near the modern town of Siemreab, are a lasting monument to the greatness of Jayavarman II's successors. . The Angkorian complexes were built. The construction of a huge reservoir north of the capital to provide irrigation for wet rice cultivation. The Eastern Baray (reservoir or tank), evidence of which remains to the present time. Its dikes, which may be seen today, are more than 6 kilometers long and 1.6 kilometers wide. The elaborate system of canals and reservoirs built were the key to Kambuja's prosperity for half a millennium. By freeing cultivators from dependence on unreliable seasonal monsoons, they made possible an early "green revolution" that provided the country with large surpluses of rice. The construction of the temple city complex of Angkor Wat. Carvings show that everyday Angkorian buildings were wooden structures not much different from those found in Cambodia today. The impressive stone buildings were not used as residences by members of the royal family. Rather, they were the focus of Hindu or Buddhist cults that celebrated the divinity, or buddhahood, of the monarch and his family. Angkorian society was strictly hierarchical. The king, regarded as divine, owned both the land and his subjects. The Brahman priesthood A small class of officials, who numbered about 4,000 in the tenth century. The commoners, who were burdened with heavy corvée (forced labor) duties. There was also a large slave class CAUSES OF DELCINE : After Jayavarman VII's death, Kambuja entered a long period of decline that led to its eventual disintegration. A. The Thai were a growing menace on the empire's western borders. B. The spread of Theravada Buddhism, which came to Kambuja from Sri Lanka by way of the Mon kingdoms, challenged the royal Hindu and Mahayana Buddhist cults. Preaching austerity and the salvation of the individual through his or own her efforts, Theravada Buddhism did not lend doctrinal support to a society ruled by an opulent royal establishment maintained through the virtual slavery of the masses. (from Library of Congress Country Studies) ----- Original Message ---- From: Sarin Nou <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, October 4, 2008 9:08:34 AM Subject: CAMBODIA : Historical Background CAMBODIA : Historical Background The Time of Greatness, A.D.. 802-1431 Period of Decline, 1431-1863 The French Protectorate, 1863-1954 The Japanese Occupation, 1941-45 The First Indochina War, 1945-54 The Second Indochina War, 1954-75 Military Developments Under the Khmer Rouge Khmer Rouge Armed Forces Khmer-Vietnamese Border Tensions Vietnamese Invasion of Cambodia --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Cambodia Discussion (CAMDISC) - www.cambodia.org" group. This is an unmoderated forum. Please refrain from using foul language. Thank you for your understanding. Peace among us and in Cambodia. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/camdisc Learn more - http://www.cambodia.org -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
