The earliest evidence regarding the presence of Ramayana text in Cambodia can be found in a 7th century inscription of Veal Kantel (K.359), where it mentioned the offering of Mahabhrata and Ramayana manuscripts to the temple as well as the daily recitation of the texts.[2] Plenty of art works and inscriptions mentioning the epic were made throughout ancient Cambodia (Funan, Chenla, and Angkor).
The Khmer version of Ramayana bears the name Reamker (Ramakerti)-literally means “The Glory of Rama“. Indeed, the story of Rama is present in both art and literature throughout the history of Cambodia.
Reamker is also mentioned in another literature called L’berk Angkor Wat (“The Story of Angkor Wat”) written in 1620 by Khmer author-Pang Tat (or Nak Pang), celebrating the magnificent temple complex of Angkor Wat and describing the bas-reliefs in the temple galleries that portray the Rama story.[7]
In 1900s, Ta Krud and Ta Chak were the two old men famous for their remarkable memory and ability to narrate the whole Reamker story orally and beautifully with gesture. In 1920, Ta Chak found voluminous manuscripts of Reamker story on latanier leaves in a pagoda south of Angkor Wat temple during his monk-hood and he learnt to remember the script by heart. In 1969, Ta Chak’s oral narration were recorded and his narration lasted 10 days at the rate of five hours per day. However, he died earlier before he could manage to narrate the remaining episodes.[2]
Many versions of Reamker are available in Cambodia. Nowadays, Reamker is considered as Cambodian national epic which plays significant role in Cambodian literature[8] and extends to all Cambodian art forms, from sculpture to dance drama, painting and art.
Legend has it that Prince Preah Thaong( Kaundinya, a Brahmin), married the semi divine ‘Nagi Soma’ of Patal and formed the 1st Cambodian dynasty. Kaundinya Nagi Soma & their descendants were known as the Khmer and are said to have been the rulers of Funan ( ancient Indianised state) Chenla ( Indochina) and the Khmer ( Angkor) Empire.
Despite civil wars from 1967 to 1979 the Ramayan traditions survived in Cambodia.
Khmer Version Ramayan of Cambodia is
REAMKER, which means, the Glory of Ram.
REAMKER was recomposed in two parts during the 16th -17th century and DURING THE 18th - 19th century.
Shri Ram is 'Preah Ream'.
Sita is 'Neang Seda'.
REAMKER also has a character called 'Sovanna Maccha', the mermaid princess who goes to fail Hanuman’s plans of building Ram Setu to Lanka but falls in love with him.
Evidences of Ramayan in CAMBODIA
1- 7th century stone inscription at Veal Kantel, Stueng Treng mentions offering of the manuscript of Reamker/ Ramayan to the temple.
2- During Ankor days dance was ritually performed at temples.
3- World’s largest 12th century stone temple Angkor Wat, a Visnu temple, largest temple for any deity in the world, built by king Suryavarman. It has depictions like Sita’s Agni pariksha, Ram's return to Lanka, killing of Kabandha, Valin, Viradha etc. The 2.7 km circumambulatory passage has gigantic carvings devoted to the stories of Samudra Manthan, Mahabharat and so on..
4-Lkhaon- masked theater of Cambodia, revolves around the story f Ramayan.
Source/Credits: Meenakshi Sharan, Ayodhya Foundation, Global Ramayana Connect on Facebook
