Exam 15: South and Southeast Asia Before 1200

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Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is not only a religious monument but also a political symbol of the Khmer Empire. The temple complex was built by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century and was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. However, the iconography of Angkor Wat also served as a political vehicle for the king to legitimize his rule and assert his power.

The political overtones of Angkor Wat can be seen in its architectural design and the bas-reliefs that adorn its walls. The temple's massive size and grandeur were meant to showcase the wealth and power of the Khmer Empire. The intricate bas-reliefs depict scenes from Hindu mythology, as well as historical events and the king's military victories. These depictions served to glorify the king and his achievements, while also reinforcing the divine right of the monarch to rule.

One example of the political iconography at Angkor Wat is the famous bas-relief known as the "Churning of the Ocean of Milk." This scene depicts the Hindu gods and demons using a giant serpent to churn the ocean in order to extract the elixir of immortality. The imagery of this bas-relief served to legitimize the king's rule by associating him with the divine and portraying him as a powerful and benevolent ruler, much like the gods in the scene.

Another example is the depiction of the king in battle scenes, such as the Battle of Kurukshetra from the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. These scenes not only glorify the king's military prowess but also emphasize his role as a warrior-king, capable of defending the kingdom and maintaining order.

Despite its political overtones, the iconography of Angkor Wat also satisfied its religious intent. The temple was designed as a microcosm of the Hindu universe, with its central tower representing Mount Meru, the abode of the gods. The intricate carvings and sculptures throughout the complex depict various Hindu deities and mythological scenes, serving as a place of worship and spiritual enlightenment for the Khmer people.

In conclusion, Angkor Wat's iconography served as a powerful political tool for the king, allowing him to assert his authority and legitimize his rule through religious imagery and symbolism. The temple's grandeur and intricate bas-reliefs not only satisfied its religious intent but also reinforced the king's status as a divine and powerful ruler.

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Kailasanatha Temple . In form, the rock-cut Ellora temple is a forerunner of the freestanding Hindu temples of the southern type with flat-roofed mandapas and pyramidal towers (see "Hindu Temples," Chapter 15, page 439), for example, the Rajarajeshvara Temple at Thanjavur. North of the Kailasanatha Temple and also cut into the cliff is a shrine to Lankeshvara, Shiva's local name.