Cambodia & History : Jayavarman II, the founder of the Khmer Empire

Jayavarman II, born around 770 CE, is renowned as the founder of the Khmer Empire, a powerful state that dominated mainland Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th century.

Early life and ascension

Jayavarman II was a Khmer prince who had been held in captivity or exile in "Java," a term that likely refers to the island of Java in Indonesia or possibly the ancient kingdom of Srivijaya on Sumatra.

He returned to Cambodia around 800 CE and was initially installed as a vassal king by the Javanese rulers. However, Jayavarman II soon defied his overlords and declared independence in 802 CE, establishing himself as a devaraja (God-King) and chakravartin (Universal Ruler).

Unification and expansion

Before Jayavarman II's ascension, Cambodia was fragmented into various principalities. He unified these disparate regions, starting with the Chenla Kingdom, and expanded his empire through strategic alliances and military conquests. His marriage to Jayendrabhā, the queen regnant of Sambhupura Chenla, further solidified his control over the region.

Capitals and architectural legacy

Jayavarman II established several capitals, including Indrapura, Mahendraparvata on Phnom Kulen, and Hariharalaya near modern-day Siem Reap. Although no major temples are directly attributed to him, he laid the groundwork for the grand architectural achievements of later Khmer kings.

Some historians suggest that he may have built Ak Yum, a brick stepped pyramid at the southern edge of the West Baray.

Legacy

Jayavarman II's reign was marked by the deification of the Cambodian monarchy and the establishment of the devarāja cult as the state religion. He died in 850 CE at Hariharalaya, leaving behind a legacy as the founder of the Khmer Empire and the initiator of the Angkor period, which would become the golden age of Cambodian history.

Despite the lack of inscriptions from his own time, Jayavarman II is celebrated by later Angkorean kings as a powerful warrior and a visionary leader.

Jayavarman II implemented a system of officials and courtiers who were rewarded with land and political positions, contributing to the empire's political stability.

These achievements set the stage for the Khmer Empire's growth into a dominant power in Southeast Asia during the Angkor period.

Jayavarman II passed away in 850 and was posthumously designated the epithet "Parameshwara", signifying "the supreme ruler" and an epithet attributed to the deity Shiva. Following his demise, the throne was assumed by his son, Jayavarman III, and two additional kings from the family.

A formal honouring ceremony was conducted for Jayavarman II and the aforementioned two kings, in addition to their respective spouses, within the Preah Ko temple in Roulous. The construction of this temple was initiated by King Indravarman I and it was officially inaugurated in the year 880 AD.