When one thinks of the grandeur of ancient architecture, one’s mind often wanders to the majestic temples of India and Cambodia. Separated by seas and miles of land, the two countries share a religious and architectural lineage that often goes unnoticed by the visitors.
The spirituality of Buddhist architecture can be traced back to the intricate Indian architecture. The temples of Cambodia were directly influenced by Indian architecture, moreover, they are actually Hindu temples that are now used as Buddhist shrines.
Khmer Empire
The Khmer Empire, which flourished in Cambodia from the 9th to the 15th century, was heavily influenced by Indian culture, religion, and architectural styles. The Khmers were originally Hindu but later adopted Buddhism, thus their temples incorporated many elements of Indian temple architecture. The empire lasted from 802 to 1413 BCE.
The empire was founded by Jayavarman II in 802 CE and had its capital at Angkor, modern-day Siem Reap in Cambodia. During the reign of King Jayavarman VII the region transitioned from Hinduism to Buddhism as the sovereign promoted Mahayana Buddhism.
The Khmer Empire produced magnificent structures like the Angkor Wat. The temples were made of stone and were known for their massive scale, intricate carvings and central tower (Prasat) inspired by the Indian shikhara. Similar to Indian temples, Khmer temples often had elaborate motifs depicting scenes from Hindu and Buddhist mythology.
Stone carving and rock-cut architecture
Stone carving is a common feature in both Indian and Cambodian temple architecture. The rock-cut temples of India, such as those at Ellora and Ajanta, showcase the skill and precision of ancient Indian craftsmen. These temples were carved directly into the rock, creating intricate interiors and exteriors that have endured for centuries.
Similarly, the temples of Cambodia, particularly those from the Angkor period, exhibit exceptional stone carving techniques. The Khmer architects mastered the art of carving sandstone, creating detailed bas-reliefs and sculptures that adorn the walls of their temples. The use of sandstone allowed for fine detailing, much like the rock-cut temples of India.
Temple architecture: The Pillars of Indian architecture
The systematic transmission of knowledge from India to Cambodia developed a new kind of temple architecture in that region. The Dravidian and Nagara temple architecture influenced the Khmer temple architecture of Cambodia beyond the physical form of the temple.
Indian temple architecture is renowned for its intricate carvings, towering gopurams (gateway towers), and sanctum sanctorum that houses deities. The Dravidian, Nagara, and Vesara styles reflect regional variations, but they all emphasize symmetry, geometry, and a devotion to ornate detail.
This rich architectural tradition significantly influenced Cambodian Buddhist temple architecture, particularly during the Angkorian period. Cambodian temples, like the iconic Angkor Wat, exhibit similar elements such as tiered structures, intricate bas-reliefs, and the symbolic use of space to represent cosmological concepts. The use of sandstone, detailed carvings depicting mythological scenes, and the grand temple complexes are all testament to Indian influence.
Dravidian style architecture was at its peak during the 11th century, coincidentally the Chola Emperor Rajendra and the Khmer King Suryavarman were in close contact. This close contact between the monarchs led to sharing of ideas and strategies, including architectural ideas and skills.
Symbolism and spirituality
The symbolism and spiritual significance embedded in the architecture of India and Cambodia further highlight their shared heritage. Both regions used architectural elements to convey religious and cosmological concepts.
India’s history can be found in motifs and scriptures. These have evolved over the years from the lotus flower to geometric designs. Dancers, human figures, gods, peacocks, elephants, and other animals have been used over the years to represent the cultural heritage of India.
Vastu Shastra and the grid system in Cambodian architecture both emphasize harmony and balance, but they originate from different cultural and philosophical backgrounds.
Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian system of architecture that integrates principles of nature, astronomy, and geometry. It focuses on the orientation and layout of buildings to ensure positive energy flow and balance. Temples designed using Vastu Shastra often follow a mandala layout, symbolizing the universe and incorporating sacred geometry.
In contrast, the grid system in Cambodian architecture, particularly during the Angkorian period, was influenced by Indian architecture but developed its own unique characteristics. Cambodian temples use a precise geometric grid to create symmetrical and harmonious structures. This system emphasizes axial alignment and the integration of religious and cosmic symbolism.
While both systems aim to create balanced and harmonious spaces, Vastu Shastra is deeply rooted in Hindu cosmology, whereas the Cambodian grid system reflects a blend of Hindu and local Khmer traditions
Buddhism and Hinduism
Both Hinduism and Buddhism originated in the Indian subcontinent and share historical and cultural roots. They both emphasize the concepts of Karma, rebirth, dharma, and ahimsa.
Regarding religious worship, Hinduism has a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses while Buddhism does not focus on deities, rather it views the Buddha as a teacher rather than a god. Hindu traditions involve elaborate rituals and ceremonies while Buddhism focuses on meditation and mindfulness. Hinduism’s main aim is moksha whereas Buddhism aims for Nirvana.
Angkor Wat
Initially dedicated to the Indian god Vishnu, Angkor Wat was built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. It eventually became a Buddhist temple at the end of the 12th century.
Angkor Wat means “Temple City” in Khmer and combines the temple mountain and galleried temples styles, symbolizing Mount Meru, the gods of Hindu mythology. Unlike most Hindu temple’s that are oriented towards east, Angkor Wat points towards West.
Structural innovations
Both Indian and Cambodian architects developed innovative structural techniques to support the massive weight of their temple complexes. In India, the use of corbelled arches and domes allowed for the construction of large, open interiors. The temples of Khajuraho, for example, feature intricately carved ceilings supported by corbelled arches.
In Cambodia, the Khmer architects employed a similar technique known as the false arch or corbelled arch. This method involved stacking stones in a way that created an arch-like structure without the use of a true keystone. This technique can be seen in the construction of the galleries and corridors of Angkor Wat.
The common thread- Mount Meru
The central tower of many Indian and Cambodian Temples is represented by Mount Meru, the mythical mountain at the center of the universe. Also known as “Sumeru”, it is the sacred five peaked mountain found in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cosmology.
Meru signifies the cosmic connection between heaven and earth while the multiple tiers in the elevation symbolize the different layers of the universe, with the sanctum sanctorum representing the peak of Mount Meru.
In Hindu temples, the central spine or Shikhar represents the summit of Meru while in Buddhist architecture the Stupa symbolizes Mount Meru.
Not only architecture, but even the cultural practices of Cambodia and India have similarities. Being part of the same sub-continent and having undergone almost identical colonial histories as well as ancient histories, the countries share Sanskrit as the medium of communication in the past, with scriptures found today to add proof.
References:
- Buddhist Monks (2022) Buddhsit Retreat Cambodia [digital] Buddhist Retreat Cambodia Enhance Your Senses (Updated 2024) – Metta Voyage
- Buddhist Rock Cut Carving (2024) Angkor wat Carving [digital] https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=angkor+wat+carving
- Temple architecture styles India (2024) Temple architecture Styles [digital] http://bindupv.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-temple-architecture-styles-in-india.html
- Varanasi Aarti (2024) Benaras [digital] https://www.britannica.com/place/Varanasi
- Angkor Wat (2024) Angkor Wat [digital] https://ourwholevillage.com/8-interesting-facts-about-angkor-wat/
- Mount Meru(2024) Mount Meru [digital] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meru_Peak
- Sanskrit Inscriptions (2024) Cambodia [digital] https://www.123rf.com/photo_90078510_cambodia-siem-reap-sanskrit-religious-inscriptions-on-temple-walls-banteay-srey-xth-century.html
Citations
- Wikipedia Contributors (2019). Meru Peak. [online] Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meru_Peak.
- Anon, (2023). A Guide to Understanding Khmer Architecture. [online] Available at: https://arisecambodia.com/a-guide-to-understanding-khmer-architecture/.
- Atray, R. (2022). Past, Present and Future: Architecture of Cambodia. [online] RTF | Rethinking The Future. Available at: https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/city-and-architecture/a7277-past-present-and-future-architecture-of-cambodia/#google_vignette.
- Angkor Database. (2023). Cambodia: India outside India, Decoding Khmer Architecture. [online] Available at: https://angkordatabase.asia/books/cambodia-india-outside-india-decoding-khmer-architecture
- Ourwholevillage.com. (2019). 8 Interesting Facts About Angkor Wat in Cambodia | Our Whole Village. [online] Available at: https://ourwholevillage.com/8-interesting-facts-about-angkor-wat/
