"Home Truth" of Angkor

Published below are some of the pieces written by KI Media readers in response to my piece “Dark Clouds Over Angkor”. There are many other interesting comments as well, and to all the readers who took their time to read and express their concerned views, my sincerest thanks - School of Vice

The Flag and the Monument link the Nation's present to its past and point to its future . . .

India’s President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil looks at the wall carving of Ramayana & Mahabharata Story at Angkor Wat Temple, in Siem Reap, Cambodia on September 17, 2010. But the corroding effects of acid chemicals applied by India’s “experts” on many surface areas of the 12^th century temple, including most of the main galleries’ bas relief work [pictured] in the 1980s may prove irreversible -search.wn.com

“Angkor is to Khmer both a story of sweet glory and of bitter downfall - herein lie the recorded accounts of their civilization.”

Opinion by Keo Cham

School of Vice has touched on another note, which is at the heart of this issue, that I (I confessed for myself) and maybe many Khmers and foreign people (including Indian Hindus) may have overlooked.

And that is the issue of the historical significance of these architectural complexes and holy sites. Hindus lay claim to or take liberty at replication of Angkor because to them, this is merely a matter of Hindus venerating Hindu arts and culture.

In that perspective, they failed to see, and have overlooked the historical significance of this art in shaping Khmer identity. The image of Siam looting Angkor and that of Jayavarman II being anointed God King are prime examples of how the fabric of Khmer identity is infused into these temples.

The living arts among the walls and corridors, the scene of dancers and wars - these go beyond Hindu motifs and mere religious and Brahmanism inspiration. Indeed, what we have in Angkor is a living record of a people. The very fabric of their existence, recorded in it.

Thus to replicate Angkor, goes beyond merely dedicating and venerating the Gods and religion Angkor was inspired from, but it is also a replication of the unique struggle, identity, and history of the Khmer people including their wars and their struggle, Angkor is to Khmer both a story of sweet glory and of bitter downfall - herein lies the recorded accounts of their civilization.

When one looks at Angkor from this perspective- from the Khmer perspective- one can come to believe and realized (as I now have) as School of Vice puts it, a "Cultural Theft" on a grand scale. Why? Angkor is not merely a Hindu religious holy site, but a living history and archive of the Khmer civilization through its own unique struggles and evolution - all which had been recorded and will be replicated from the extensive bas relief of Angkor.

If we cannot stop this, we are indeed in need of forgiveness from our ancestors!