Harshavarman I
Encyclopedia
Harshavarman I was an Angkorian king who reigned in 910–923 CE.
Following his death, Yasovarman I was succeeded by his two sons, the eldar of which was Harshavarman. The reigns of Harshavarman and subsequently his younger brother, Ishanavarman II
, marked a period of instability for the Khmer Empire
. Both brothers were involved in a power struggle with their maternal uncle, Jayavarman IV
, a conflict that lasted for Harshavarman's entire reign. The uncle was eventually driven out of Angkor to set up his own capital about 100 km away during the reign Ishanavarman.
Nothing else is known about Harshavarman other than that he constructed the small temple-mountain of Baksei Chamkrong
at the foot of Phnom Bakheng
which he dedicated to his parents. He died in 923 and was succeeded by Ishanavarman.
Following his death, Yasovarman I was succeeded by his two sons, the eldar of which was Harshavarman. The reigns of Harshavarman and subsequently his younger brother, Ishanavarman II
Ishanavarman II
Ishanavarman II was an Angkorian king who is believed to have ruled from 923 to 928. His empire may have been confined to Angkor and the area around Battambang to the west. The younger son of Yasovarman I succeeded his dead brother. The period of his reign may have been very tumultuous and chaotic...
, marked a period of instability for the Khmer Empire
Khmer Empire
The Khmer Empire was one of the most powerful empires in Southeast Asia. The empire, which grew out of the former kingdom of Chenla, at times ruled over and/or vassalized parts of modern-day Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, and Malaysia. Its greatest legacy is Angkor, the site of the capital city...
. Both brothers were involved in a power struggle with their maternal uncle, Jayavarman IV
Jayavarman IV
-Early Years:Jayavarman IV was an Angkorian king who ruled from 928 to 941 CE. Many early historians thought that he was a usurper. However, recent evidence shows that he had a legitimate claim to the throne. He was the son of king Indravarman I's daughter, Mahendradevi, and was married to his...
, a conflict that lasted for Harshavarman's entire reign. The uncle was eventually driven out of Angkor to set up his own capital about 100 km away during the reign Ishanavarman.
Nothing else is known about Harshavarman other than that he constructed the small temple-mountain of Baksei Chamkrong
Baksei Chamkrong
Baksei Chamkrong is a small Hindu temple located in the Angkor complex . It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and used to hold a golden image of him. The temple can be seen on the left side when entering Angkor Thom at the southern gate. It was dedicated to Yasovarman by his son, King Harshavarman I...
at the foot of Phnom Bakheng
Phnom Bakheng
-See also:* Angkor* Architecture of Cambodia* List of archaeoastronomical sites by country-References:* Goloubev, Victor. Le Phnom Bakheng et la ville de Yasovarman. Bulletin de l'EFEO , 33 : 319-344....
which he dedicated to his parents. He died in 923 and was succeeded by Ishanavarman.