Arts and architecture in Cambodia

In the Angkor period, the height of Khmer art and architecture started. In Cambodia you can see all religious buildings that are surviving, made of stone or brick. The early kingdoms of Funan and Chenla culture were regarded as central to the evolution of Angkorian architecture and art. In South-Cambodia, relics of the pre-Angkorian periods have been found. The Hindu art prevails but a number of Mahayana-Buddhist Bodhisattvas have also been found.

During Angkor period, architecture was ruled by a series of and religious beliefs. In Khmer sculpture, common motifs are apsaras i.e. celestial nymphs. These have become a symbol of the Khmer culture as well. These apsaras are carved marvelously generally with ornate jewellery. They are clothed in the latest Angkor fashion. The ideal feminine beauty of that time is well represented by these apsaras. Other motifs are nagas i.e. sacred aquatic snakes. They play an important part in Hindu mythology as well. In Southeast Asia this belief of naga is most common. It can be said that most of these motifs have been taken from Indian art but presently known as traditional Khmer art.

Temples were planned to represent the cosmic Mt. Meru. This is actually the home of the gods of Indian cosmology and also surrounded by oceans. The literal meaning of Angkor is ‘city’ or ‘capital’ and Wat means ‘temple’. In Cambodia Angkor Wat is the largest and also most famous of the architectural masterpieces. Most probably Angkor Wat is the largest religious building on earth. This actual plan was conceived by Suryavarman II. It took 30 years to build Angkor Wat. The temple has been continuously occupied by monks and is well preserved.

The Angkor Wat is surrounded by intricate bas on the four sides. The most celebrated of these is ‘The Churning of the Ocean of Milk’. This can be seen on the east wing.