Saurabh Patil (M.A. AIHC & Archaeology, Deccan College PGRI, Pune)
World Architecture Day, celebrated on the first Monday of October, honors the importance of architecture in shaping cities and communities. Everyone knows how the architecture has grown till now throughout the world. Every architectural style we see today is a blend of styles in its own way. That shows how a particular architecture and culture influences the other.
A great example of this is the influence of Indian architecture on the Khmer Empire in Cambodia. The cultural connection between India and South-East Asia is well known to our readers. As World Architecture Day reminds us of the global role architecture plays, the Khmer temples, like Angkor Wat, show how Indian design concepts, such as cosmic symbolism and temple layout, blended with local Khmer styles. This fusion of ideas created magnificent structures that still stand today, showing how architecture connects cultures and preserves heritage across centuries.
Introduction to Khmer Architecture
Khmer architecture, particularly during the Khmer Dynasty, is known for its monumental temples and palaces. Khmer dynasty (802-1431 CE) was one of the most influential empires in SouthEast Asia. These structures built by the kings and other people served not only as places of worship but also as political centers. The Khmer kings, influenced by Indian culture, religion, and philosophy, incorporated Indian architectural principles in their temple construction, fusing local styles with imported ideas to create a distinct Khmer aesthetic.
Transmission of Indian Culture and Religion
The transmission of Indian culture, especially Hinduism and Buddhism, into Southeast Asia occurred through trade, migration, and religious missions. Indian merchants and travelers brought with them not only goods but also religious texts, iconography, and architectural techniques. As Hinduism and Buddhism became integrated into Khmer culture, so too did Indian architectural traditions.
The importance of these influences can be seen in the earliest forms of Khmer temple architecture, which reflected Indian religious concepts. Indian rock-cut architecture, particularly from sites such as Ellora and Ajanta, provided a model for the Khmer builders who sought to emulate the grandeur and spiritual significance of Indian temples .
Concept of Mount Meru and Cosmic Symbolism
One of the most significant Indian influences on Khmer architecture is the concept of Mount Meru, the mythological mountain at the center of the universe in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. Indian temples were designed to reflect this sacred mountain, with the central tower representing Meru and the surrounding structures representing the mountain ranges and oceans that encircle it.
This concept was adopted in Khmer architecture, where temples were constructed as symbolic representations of Mount Meru. Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world situated in present Cambodia, is a prime example of this influence. The central tower of Angkor Wat represents the peak of Mount Meru, while the surrounding moat and walls symbolize the cosmic ocean and the mountain ranges .
Temple Layout and Design Principles
Indian architectural principles also influenced the layout and design of Khmer temples. The typical layout of an Indian temple, with its mandala-like design, was replicated in Khmer temples. The use of a central sanctum sanctorum surrounded by smaller shrines and courtyards is a key feature of both Indian and Khmer temple architecture.
The mandala, an essential part of Hindu and Buddhist religious architecture, was used as a symbolic map of the cosmos in both Indian and Khmer structures. The careful orientation of temples, often aligned with cardinal directions and celestial bodies, reflects the Indian tradition of designing religious structures in harmony with the cosmos.
Iconographical Influence
Indian rock-cut architecture, as seen in the caves of Ajanta and Ellora, influenced the Khmer approach to temple construction. Although the Khmer people primarily built free-standing structures, they adopted many features of Indian rock-cut architecture, such as intricate carvings, reliefs, and sculptures.
For instance, the reliefs on the walls of Angkor Wat and other Khmer temples are similar to those found in Indian temples. These reliefs depict scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as Buddhist iconography. The detailed carvings of apsaras (celestial dancers) and devatas (deities) in Khmer temples can also be traced back to Indian influences.
Adaptation of Indian Styles
While Indian architectural principles were a major influence, the Khmer adapted these styles to suit their own cultural and environmental needs. The Khmer builders modified Indian architectural elements, such as the shikhara (temple spire) and the use of stone for construction, to create their own distinctive style. The use of laterite and sandstone, materials readily available in Cambodia, contributed to the durability and grandeur of Khmer temples.
Additionally, the Khmer added their own artistic touches, blending Indian iconography with local motifs. For instance, the naga (serpent) balustrades and the depictions of Khmer kings and local deities in temple carvings reflect the integration of Indian religious symbolism with indigenous Khmer beliefs.
Indian Philosophical Influence
The philosophy of Indian temple architecture, which views the temple as a microcosm of the universe, also played a role in shaping Khmer architectural practices. Indian temples were not merely places of worship but were also seen as the dwelling places of gods, with the architecture reflecting divine order. This philosophical approach was adopted by the Khmer rulers, who viewed themselves as god-kings (devarajas) and built temples to assert their divine authority.
Khmer temples, like their Indian counterparts, were designed to be places where humans could connect with the divine. The careful attention to proportions, symmetry, and alignment in Khmer temples reflects the Indian belief in the harmonious relationship between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Later Khmer Temples
The Indian influence on Khmer architecture continued to evolve even after the decline of the Khmer Empire. Later Khmer structures, such as the temple of the Bayon demonstrates a further blending of Indian and local styles. These temples feature even more elaborate carvings and an increased emphasis on Buddhist iconography, reflecting the shift from Hinduism to Mahayana Buddhism in Khmer religious practice.
While the Indian influence remained strong, these later temples show how the Khmer developed their own architectural identity, incorporating Indian elements into a uniquely Khmer context.
Conclusion
Indian architecture has had a lasting impact on Khmer architecture, particularly during the Angkor period. Angkor Wat, Banteai Srei, Neak Pean, Banteay Kdei, Ta Prohm, Banteay Samre, Phnom Bakheng, Pre Rup are some of the most magnificent temples are still standing on the land of Cambodia, showcasing the legacy of the Khmer Empire. Through the transmission of religious and cultural ideas, the Khmer people adapted Indian architectural principles to create their own distinctive style. The concept of Mount Meru, the use of mandalas, and the philosophical approach to temple design are just a few examples of how Indian architecture influenced the development of Khmer temples.
The fusion of Indian and Khmer styles resulted in some of the most magnificent structures in Southeast Asia, with Angkor Wat standing as a testament to the enduring legacy of Indian architectural influence in the region. Even today, the impact of Indian architecture on Khmer structures is evident, showcasing a rich history of cultural exchange and adaptation.
Loved the article! The comparison is clearly highlighted. It is very interesting to note the extent of how much Indian civilization has influenced the Southeast Asian countries. My palaeography & epigraphy background informs me that Khmer inscriptions have been written in Sanskrit to a large extent, utilizing the Pallava script!