Kings
Throughout the Khmer Empire's history, there were many Kings who ruled:
Jayavarman VII ruled from the years 1181-1218 AD
Jayavarman VII was the son of KIng Dharanindravarman II and Queen Sri Jayarajacudamani. He married Jayarajadevi. His wife was very special to him because she is the one who brought his belief in Buddihism, he was also a very powerful king at that time. |
History
The ruler of the Khmer Empire was worshipped as a demigod, son of the gods and supreme ruler of the empire. The people believe that the emperor is appointed by the gods and so any limitation of his power would be against the will of the gods. The emperor is viewed as the re-incarnation of the god Shiva and is thus the extreme masculinity (if there is an reigning empress then she represents the Goddess Shakti and thus extreme feminity). The emperor has the choice to choose his spouse. Women who become concubines live in extreme luxury for the rest of their lives and it is a great honor to become a wife of the emperor. In the last ages it is common for emperors to only take a few wives or one wife.
Ordinary people
The lowest level of the social organisation are villagers. They use thatch for their roofs and they don't want to put up a single piece of tile. It doesn't matter weather that had more money than the other villagers they never put something up so they don't emulate the styles of the great houses.
The items they use for everyday use, they make themselves their own stoves and they use earthenware dishes.
Women
Khmer women had freedom, they were able to inherit land and property and women were quite strong, they were able to hold political post such as judges. The kings personal bodyguards were women, since they believed women were more loyal and trustworthy.
Monks and the temples
Priests and Brahmins were living in luxury, because they were an elite class, and they were usually separated from the general population. Their power and position were very great because they were linked through the temple and king.
-Tori and Kimberly
The lowest level of the social organisation are villagers. They use thatch for their roofs and they don't want to put up a single piece of tile. It doesn't matter weather that had more money than the other villagers they never put something up so they don't emulate the styles of the great houses.
The items they use for everyday use, they make themselves their own stoves and they use earthenware dishes.
Women
Khmer women had freedom, they were able to inherit land and property and women were quite strong, they were able to hold political post such as judges. The kings personal bodyguards were women, since they believed women were more loyal and trustworthy.
Monks and the temples
Priests and Brahmins were living in luxury, because they were an elite class, and they were usually separated from the general population. Their power and position were very great because they were linked through the temple and king.
-Tori and Kimberly