Essay+of+Khmer+Empire

DJ Tarana

inden The Khmer Empire is often associated with images of the world renowned Angkot Wat temple. The Khmer Empire, located in present day Cambodia, possessed one of the most formidable armies in south East Asia. Its history is one of the most topsy-turvy out of any nation ’  s. Many kings failed to establish strong disciplinary principles to lead a nation to success and were often overpowered by others in a vicious, catastrophic cycle.  The Khmer people were a very active and organized society of workers, each employed with their own aspect of bettering the land. __Through studying the success of the Khmer Empire, we, as a people today, can learn that applying our skills to our roles in society will further develop our nation.__

indentFinished under Udayadityavarman II, t he West Barray, a man made reservoir that was built by Suryavarman I, extends to a staggering 8km long and looks more like a lake. This allowed the Khmer people to expand rapidly while sustaining a highly dense society on a relatively small surface area by making rice paddy fields along the reservoir. Fish also began to live in the reservoir and also became vast and plenty for the Khmer people (Canesso, Claudia). This can teach present day society that regardless of the technology and circumstances, we can build to suite our needs; while at the same time, avoiding any possible harm to the environment. The fact that this was done before electricity and avoided any harm to wildlife, should serve as a template as to which our present day society should expand and contribute towards.

 indent Upon the completion of the West Barray, the Angkor Wat temple was built. 50 000 dedicated workers and craftsman were called upon to build one of the human races greatest accomplishments, the Angkor Wat temple. Using makeshift rafts and trained Asian Elephants to haul building materials, it took over 30 years to build and became (and still remains) the largest religious monument on the Earth. The Khmer people as a whole, were involved in the building process. People were needed to carve sculptures of sandstone, to paint, to mark and map the work area so the building was laid out as planned, etc (Coe, Michael). If a feat this epic and courageous can be accomplished with shear numbers, human will power and taught skills, then we as people can take this into consideration when shaping a government, thus exponentially increasing productivity rates.

indent Religion and culture were big influences in the daily lives of the Khmer people and they visited the temples (like Angkor Wat) daily. Christian churches around the world are becoming less visited at a rapid rate. Western culture used to be based on religion and church, however we are forgetting our culture and past beliefs. The Khmer people were always devout to the Hindu religion and remain devout to this day. Culture and ceremonies are being constantly practiced even with younger generations (Canesso, Claudia). We are forgetting the values of human life and existence regardless of the god we believe in. Western culture (as well as European) should take Khmer culture into perspective when trying to bring traditional beliefs and culture back. The fact that we as a culture are becoming less social has everything to do with culture and beliefs. Culture brings families together for events (such as holidays) and emphasizes the need to care about our future generations, and in turn we will improve the lives of others, even people outside of our families.

indent The rise and golden age of the Khmer people had to do with the planning and roles of their society as well as teamwork and motivated attitudes. What they were able to accomplish without jeopardizing any species or damaging land was astounding. Their customs and ideas around life and productivity should be adapted by all nations and used to plan for the future, limiting mistakes that we will inevitably make.