The Buddhist Cultural Heritage of Cambodia And Its Indian Linkages: An Exploration of Evidence and Significant Inscriptions

This paper examines the evolution of Cambodia’s Buddhist heritage, with a particular emphasis on its connections to India through the historical lineage of Buddhism, extending from the early period to the present. Cambodia, an early Indianized Theravada Buddhist and Hindu kingdom in Southeast Asia, adopted Indian culture before the 1st century CE. Indian missionaries and traders significantly influenced Buddhism’s development in the Funan Kingdom. Indian merchants, adventurers, and monks played key roles in introducing Buddhism to the Khmer Empire, which blended Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The architectural diversity of Buddhism is illustrated through its temples, sculptures, and bronze art. Angkor Wat, originally a Hindu temple, was later converted to a Buddhist temple. The Bayon temple is for MahÄ yÄ na Buddhism, then TheravÄ da Buddhism. Currently, more than 4,000 monasteries in Cambodia serve as symbols of the country’s national identity, representing its Buddhist heritage, and are significantly shaped by the influence of religion. All temples are narrated in accordance with the Buddha’s teachings and Cambodia’s cultural traditions, including Viharas, Chetiyas, and stupas. Buddhism has profoundly influenced the lifestyle of the Cambodian people, motivating them to enhance their quality of life. The Buddhist heritage of Cambodia is inextricably linked to Indian culture and has profoundly influenced its civilization, education, and customs, continuing to play a critical role in the architecture and tradition of Cambodia today.