social relationships & hierarchy
Social relationships in the ancient kingdom of the Khmer Empire, as well as across Southeast Asia, are hierarchical and based on a multitude of factors including wealth and political position.
There are many parallels between Indian caste system and Southeast Asian hierarchy. For example, both systems are founded on the basis that no one is considered equal, as everyone has their respective place and rank in society. Thus, it can be postulated that the hierarchical system of Southeast Asia was adapted from the Indian caste system as a result of Indianisation.
This social hierarchy is also often reflected in the Khmer Empire, as shown through the Khmer language. For instance, there is no general pronoun for the word "you", and instead pronoun choice is based upon the status relationship between the speaker and the person being addressed or referenced. In addition, certain verbs change depending on the status of the person undertaking the action, and vary between those of a respectable position and those of lesser status. This indicates the Khmer empire's emphasis on social relationships as being hierarchical.
Derived from the Indian caste system, the social hierarchy system in the Khmer Empire is an example of how Indianisation has moulded early Southeast Asian society, demonstrating the impact of India's influence on the region.
Click here to continue.
There are many parallels between Indian caste system and Southeast Asian hierarchy. For example, both systems are founded on the basis that no one is considered equal, as everyone has their respective place and rank in society. Thus, it can be postulated that the hierarchical system of Southeast Asia was adapted from the Indian caste system as a result of Indianisation.
This social hierarchy is also often reflected in the Khmer Empire, as shown through the Khmer language. For instance, there is no general pronoun for the word "you", and instead pronoun choice is based upon the status relationship between the speaker and the person being addressed or referenced. In addition, certain verbs change depending on the status of the person undertaking the action, and vary between those of a respectable position and those of lesser status. This indicates the Khmer empire's emphasis on social relationships as being hierarchical.
Derived from the Indian caste system, the social hierarchy system in the Khmer Empire is an example of how Indianisation has moulded early Southeast Asian society, demonstrating the impact of India's influence on the region.
Click here to continue.