Ramayana in Cambodian Sanskrit Inscriptions, Sculptures, Ramleela and Paintings

Contents: Preface. 1. The Influence of Ramayana on Khemar Culture. 2. Khmer Version of Ramayana. 3. Indian Culture in Cambodia. 4. Wooden Carvings and Paintings of Ramayana on Buddhist Pagodas of Cambodia. 5. The Spread of Ramayana and Buddhism in Cambodian Land. 6. Influence of Ramayana and Sanskrit on Cambodian Inscriptions. Appendices. Index of Inscriptions. Bibliography.

This book aims to unveil the greatness of the Ramayana story and the way it spread and influenced the Khmer culture. Ramayana story of India, first composed in Sanskrit, had entered the whole of South East Asia, and other countries due to its great merits and elegant literary qualities. Ramayana is called Ramakian in Thailand and Reamker or Ramakerti in Cambodia. Sculptures and paintings based on Ramayana can be found in many temples and palaces of Cambodia. The Cambodian version of Ramayana is quite interesting, which helps understand Cambodian culture and highlights the similarities and association of Khmer culture with ancient Indian culture.

The Indian epic poem Ramayana has exercised an influence in Cambodia for more than a millennium. A seventh- century Sanskrit inscription of Veal Kantal from Stung Treng, mentions daily recitations of Indic writings donated to the sanctuary, including the Ramayana. Epigraphical and artistic evidences also show that the story was well-known to Cambodians in the Angkorian period. Carved narrative reliefs illustrating elements of the epic Ramayana are widespread, occurring at the Banteay Srei, Baphuon, Thommanon and Banteay Samre, to name but a few prominent temples. Several painted representations of the Reamker still exist.

This book tries to present the material on the spread of Ramayana in Cambodia and gives details of the Khmer Version of Ramayana, including the wooden carvings, and Paintings of Ramayana on Buddhist Pagodas of Cambodia. It explores the spread of Sanskrit Inscriptions, and Ramleela etc. Yet it is hard to say if this publication can give a complete information on the popularity of Ramayana in Cambodia as it was prepared in a limited time frame. We hope readers will enjoy this book and give their valuable suggestions.