Suryavarman II
| Suryavarman II | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | |||||||||
| King of the Khmer Empire | |||||||||
| Reign | 1113–1150 CE | ||||||||
| Predecessor | Dharanindravarman I | ||||||||
| Successor | Dharanindravarman II | ||||||||
| Born | 11th century CE Angkor, Khmer Empire (now in Siem Reap, Cambodia) | ||||||||
| Died | 1145/1150 CE Angkor, Khmer Empire (now in Siem Reap, Cambodia) | ||||||||
| Burial | Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia | ||||||||
| |||||||||
| Father | Ksitindraditya | ||||||||
| Mother | Narendralakshmi | ||||||||
| Religion | Hinduism (Vaishnavism) | ||||||||
| Military service | |||||||||
| Allegiance |  Khmer Empire | ||||||||
| Battles/wars | |||||||||
Suryavarman II (
Early years
Suryavarman appears to have grown up in a provincial estate, at a time of weakening central control in the empire. An inscription lists his father as Ksitindraditya and his mother as Narendralakshmi. As a young prince, he maneuvered for power, contending he had a legitimate claim to the throne. “At the end of his studies,” states an inscription, “he approved the desire of the royal dignity of his family.” He appears to have dealt with a rival claimant from the line of
Suryavarman was enthroned in 1113 AD. The king’s formal coronation took place in 1119 AD, with Divakarapandita again performing the rites.
The first two syllables in the monarch's name are a
Life and reign
Dvaravati began to come under the influence of the Khmer Empire and central-southeast Asia was ultimately invaded by King Suryavarman II in the first half of the 12th century.
During his decades in power, the king reunited the empire. Vassals paid him tribute. He staged large military operations in the east against the Chams, but these were largely unsuccessful.
In addition to war, Suryavarman practiced diplomacy, resuming formal relations with China in 1116 AD. A Chinese account of the 13th century says that the Khmer embassy had 14 members, who after reaching Chinese soil were given special court garments. “Scarcely have we arrived to contemplate anear your glory than we are already filled with your benefits,” one of the ambassadors is quoted as telling the Chinese emperor. The embassy went home the following year. Another embassy visited in 1120; in 1128, the emperor conferred high dignities on the Khmer ruler, deeming him “great vassal of the empire.” Problems concerning commerce between the two states were examined and regulated.[3]: 159, 162 [8]
The king's reign saw great innovations in art and architecture and it is believed that the sudden change was due to the presence of
Suryavarman married, but no record exists of his wives' names. Suryavarman II was unusual among Khmer kings in making Vishnu rather than Shiva the focus of court religious life. The reasons for this decision are not known. Scholars have long debated whether his association with Vishnu helps explain why Angkor Wat faces west, the cardinal direction with which Vishnu is associated, rather than east, the more common orientation for Khmer temples.
Suryavarman II was the first Khmer king to be depicted in art. A bas-relief in the south gallery of Angkor Wat shows him seated on an elaborate wooden dais whose legs and railings are carved to resemble naga snakes. On his head is a pointed diadem, and his ears have pendants. He wears anklets, armlets and bracelets. His right hand holds what seems to be a small dead snake; the meaning of this is unclear. His torso curves gracefully, his legs folded beneath him. The general image projected is one of serenity, and comfort with power and position.
His image is part of a unique and detailed portrait of court life in the Angkor period. The scene's setting appears to be outside, amidst a forest. Kneeling attendants hold over His Majesty a profusion of fans, fly whisks and parasols that denoted rank. Princesses are carried in elaborately carved palanquins. Whiskered Brahman priests look on, some of them apparently preparing things for a ceremony. To the right of His Majesty, a courtier kneels, apparently presenting something. Advisers look on, kneeling, some with hands over hearts in a gesture of obeisance. To the right we see an elaborate procession, with retainers sounding conches, drums and a gong. An ark bearing the royal fire, symbol of power, is carried on his shoulders.
Further on in the gallery is a display of Suryavarman's military might. Commanders with armor and weapons stand atop fierce war elephants, with ranks of foot soldiers below, each holding a spear and shield. One of the commanders is the king himself, looking over his right shoulder, his chest covered with armour, a sharp weapon in his right hand.
Death and succession
Inscriptional evidence suggests that Suryavarman II died between 1145 and 1150, possibly during a military campaign against Champa; before that, his troops were defeated by Vietnamese troops led by Tô Hiến Thành. He was succeeded by his cousin Dharanindravarman II. A period of weak rule and feuding began.[5]: 120
Suryavarman was given the posthumous name Paramavishnuloka, "He Who Has Entered the Heavenly World of Vishnu". Angkor Wat appears to have been completed only after his death.[5]: 118
A modern sculpture that adapts his court image in the Angkor Wat bas-reliefs today greets visitors arriving at the Siem Reap airport. Parasols shelter this image of the king, as they did the real Suryavarman almost nine centuries ago.
Notes
- ^ Briggs, "The Ancient Khmer Empire," p. 187.
- ^ A History of India Hermann Kulke, Dietmar Rothermund: p.125
- ^ ISBN 978-0-8248-0368-1.
- ^ Higham, "The Civilization of Angkor," p. 113.
- ^ ISBN 9781842125847
- ISBN 9747534991
- ^ Briggs, "The Ancient Khmer Empire," p. 192.
- ^ Briggs, "The Ancient Khmer Empire," p. 189.
- ISBN 9786167339443
References
- Briggs, Lawrence Palmer. The Ancient Khmer Empire. Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, Volume 41, Part 1. 1951
- Vickery, Michael, The Reign of Suryavarman I and Royal Factionalism at Angkor. Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, 16 (1985) 2: 226-244.