How to Pronounce Jayavarman

Meaning and Context

Jayavarman is a regnal name borne by a succession of monarchs who ruled the Khmer Empire, a dominant civilization in Southeast Asia from approximately the 9th to the 15th centuries. These kings were pivotal in shaping the region's history, with their reigns marked by monumental architectural achievements, expansive military campaigns, and profound religious transformations. The most renowned among them, Jayavarman VII, who ascended to the throne in 1181, is celebrated as a great builder and a devout Buddhist, commissioning iconic structures like the Bayon temple at Angkor Thom and the hospital chapels across his realm. The legacy of the Jayavarman kings is inextricably linked to the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and their elaborate hydraulic engineering projects, which sustained the empire's vast agricultural base. Studying these rulers provides critical insight into Khmer empire history, the evolution of Hindu and Buddhist state temples, and the political dynamics of ancient Cambodia.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The name "Jayavarman" is a Sanskrit compound, and its standardized transliteration from Khmer scripts is generally consistent. However, common misspellings and typographical errors often arise from phonetic interpretations or keyboard slips. Frequent variants include "Javavarman" (doubling the 'v'), "Jayavarma" (dropping the final 'n'), and "Jayaverman" (substituting 'v' for 'w'). The segmentation "Jayavarman" is also occasionally seen. In older French colonial scholarship, one might encounter hyphenated forms like "Jaya-varman," though this is now largely archaic. When searching for information, it is crucial to use the correct spelling to distinguish the Khmer kings from other historical figures, as "Varman" is a common suffix in South and Southeast Asian royal onomastics.

Example Sentences

Archaeologists attribute the construction of the enigmatic Bayon temple and its serene smiling faces to the reign of Jayavarman VII.

Following a period of Cham invasion, Jayavarman II is traditionally credited with founding the Khmer Empire in 802 CE by establishing the cult of the devaraja, or "god-king.

" Scholars debate the precise lineage and accomplishments of Jayavarman IV, who established a secondary capital at Koh Ker.

A comprehensive study of the Jayavarman monarchs reveals the cyclical patterns of centralization and fragmentation within the Angkorian state.

The inscription praises Jayavarman V for his patronage of learning and the sophisticated culture at his court.

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