Reamker

Reamker (Khmer: មេករ, Réamké [riːəmkeː]) is a

Cambodian epic poem, based on the Sanskrit's
Ramayana epic. The name means "Glory of Rama".It is
the national epic of Cambodia. The earliest mention of
this epic's manuscript in Cambodia dated back in 7th
century based on Veal Kantel inscription (K.359).[1][2]
While, the surviving text of Reamker dates from 16th
century.[3][4][5] Reamker adapts the Hindu ideas to
Buddhist themes and shows the balance of good and evil
in the world. More than just a reordering of the epic tale,
the Reamker is a mainstay of the royal ballet's repertoire.
Like the Ramayana, it is a philosophical allegory, Mural depicting stories of the Reamker in Phnom
exploring the ideals of justice and fidelity as embodied by Penh's Silver Pagoda
the protagonists, King Rama and Queen Sita. The epic is
well known among the Khmer people for its portrayal in
Khmer dance theatre, called the L'khaon, in various festivals across Cambodia. Scenes from the Reamker are
painted on the walls of the Royal Palace in Khmer style, and its predecessor is carved into the walls of the
Angkor Wat and Banteay Srei temples. It is considered an integral part of Cambodian culture.

The Reamker differs from the original Ramayana in some ways, featuring additional scenes and emphasis on
Hanuman and Sovanna Maccha.[6]

In the Reamker, issues of trust, loyalty, love, and revenge play out in dramatic encounters among princes and
giants, monkeys and mermaids, and a forlorn princess. Though it is understood that Preah Ream is an
incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, his characteristics and those of the others in the story are interpreted in
Cambodia as those of mere mortals, not of the gods as is the case in India. The complex interplay of strengths
and weaknesses, though couched in episodes lined with magic, nonetheless represents a decidedly human
social behavior.

As in other Southeast Asian countries, the Rama story in Cambodia is not confined to the realm of literature
but extends to all Cambodian art forms, from sculpture to dance drama, painting and art. Another epic, The
Story of Angkor Wat (េល ីកអងរវត, Lbaeuk Ângkô Voăt), which dates from the beginning of the 17th century,
celebrates the magnificent temple complex at Angkor and describes the bas-reliefs in the temple galleries that
portray the Rama story.

Contents
History
Literary Text of Reamker
Central plot
Characters
Humans
Mythical beings
See also
External links
References

History
The original Ramayana arrived to
Southeast Asia from South India
along with Hinduism, but its
retelling there suggests Buddhist
influence.

The exact time when was

Ramayana introduced to
Cambodia is unknown, however,
A scene from the Reamker; a battle between Rama and Ravana performed in
the earliest mentioning of the epic
the courtyard of the Silver Pagoda, c. 1900s~1920s
dated to 7th century according to
a stone inscription at Veal Kantel,
Stueng Treng. Based on the same inscription, the manuscript of this epic already existed in Cambodia as the
inscription mentioned the offering of the epic's manuscript to a temple which expressed its importance in
Khmer belief.[2][1] On the other hand, the surviving text of Reamker dated in 16th century.[5][4][3] Intricate
carvings on the walls of Angkor Wat depict a scene from the Ramayana dating back nearly a millennium.
Statues of the poem's heroes were worshiped in temple sanctuaries, akin to the wall paintings at Cambodia's
Royal Palace and Wat Bo. The Ramayana has been an important epic in India for at least two thousand years,
and Reamker is its Khmer adaptation. The Cambodian version includes incidents and details not found in the
Sanskrit original written by the poet Valmiki. An example of a story that does not appear in Indian texts and
performance is that of the encounter between Hanuman, the monkey general, and Sovanna Maccha, the
mermaid, a favorite of Cambodian audiences.[6]

Literary Text of Reamker

The exact time or when was Ramaya or Reamker text existed in Cambodia is unknown. However, plenty of
art works and inscriptions mentioning the epic were made throughout ancient Cambodia (Funan, Chenla, and
Angkor). 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]

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. Cambodian
Ramayana contains some incidents that could not find in Valmiki's Ramayana. For instance, the episode of the
destruction of Rama's causeway connecting Lanka by fishes and the reconstruction of this causeway as
portrayed in a lintel of a Khmer temple at Phimai is believed to have emerged from a local development or the
imagination of narrator.[2] However, no literary work prior to 15th century has survived but numerous stone
inscriptions or epigraphs have been preserved. From 15th century onward, the story of Rama became an
impetus in Khmer literature, mainly in the epic genre, whereby the lengthy poems were composed as
recitatives for the masked drama called Khol.[2]

Poems narrating the story or the fame of Rama, called Reamker or Ramakerti appeared in the middle period of
Khmer History. The surviving literary text of Reamker dated back to 16th century. This Reamker text was
composed by at least three unknown authors over centuries and divided into two part.[7][3]
The first part was composed between 16th to 17th century. The earliest writing accounts for about a fifth of the
first part, covering the main events of the Bālakāṇḍa and Ayodhyakāṇḍa. It continued in the 17th century up
to the episode where Ravana assembles the remnants of his army for the last battle with Rama. But the episode
concerning Ravan's death, the rescue of Sita and her trial by fire, and the triumphant return to Ayodhya are all
missing.

The second part of Reamker was composed in 18th century deals specifically with the later history of Rama
and Sita. This part includes Sita's second rejection and exile, the birth of their two sons, the meeting again, and
Sita's going down to the earth.[3]

The Reamker differs from the original Ramayana in some ways, featuring additional scenes and emphasis on
Hanuman and Sovanna Maccha in which this scene occurs during the construction of causeway connecting
Lanka.[6]

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.

Central plot
The Reamker plot begins with its protagonist, Phreah Ream or Rama,
being sent into exile by one of the queen mothers who wanted her
own son to inherit the throne. After being sent to the forest, Phreah
Ream is joined by his beautiful and faithful wife Neang Seda (Sita),
whom the prince won from her father by being the only Prince who
successfully completed the father's challenge of firing arrows through
a spinning wheel with spokes. Praeh Leak (Lakshmana), the younger
brother of Phreah Ream, is concerned about his older brother and
A scene depicting Indra on his
joins Neang Seda.[9] mount, Airavata.

While entering the forest, Neang Seda and Preah Leak meet the
rakshasi Surpanakhar (Surphanakha) who first attempts to seduce
Preah Ream, and then Preah Leak. Preah Leak, annoyed by the demon's action, cuts off her ear and nose. The
butchered Surpanakhar thirsting for revenge went to her ten-headed brother Krong Reap (Ravana), invincible
lord of the island of Lanka. Krong Reap secretly goes to the forest. When he first set eyes on Neang Seda, he
was awed by her divine beauty. Krong Reap transforms himself as a golden deer and runs past the party of
three. Preah Ream realizes that the deer is not a real deer, however, at Neang Seda's insistence Preah Ream
chases it after telling his younger brother to stay and guard his wife. Krong Reap then mimics Preah Ream's
voice and calls for his brother to come and save him. Although Preah Leak knows that it is not his brother
calling out, he is forced to go at Neang Seda's insistence. However, before he leaves he draws a magical circle
around his brother's wife in the dirt that will prevent anything from entering the circle. Krong Reap disguises
himself as an old errant and easily tricks Neang Seda's to step outside the circle, after which he abducts her.
Preah Ream and Preah Leak return and desperately search for Neang Seda and, in the meantime, they assist
the monkey king Sukreep (Sugriva) to destroy his rival Pali Thirat (Vali) and regain his throne. Thanking the
two, Sukreep sends the monkey warrior Hanuman to aid them in their search. Hanuman, the son of the wind
god, flies out to discover that the demon Krong Reap held Neang Seda prisoner on the island of Lanka.[10]

Hanuman order his soldiers to build a bridge of stone to connect the island Lanka to the mainland. While
gathering stones, Hanuman realizes that mermaids were stealing stones to prevent the construction of the
bridge. He was roused by this and decides to capture the mermaid princess Neang Machha but falls deeply in
love with her. The mermaid likewise falls in love, and thus her mermaid army ceases to tamper in Hanuman's
business. The bridge built, Preah Ream and Krong Reap face each other in combat. However, Krong Reap
quickly regenerates and damage done to him or any body part that is cut off. It is not until one of Krong Reap's
generals defects and discloses the secret to slaying the demon - an arrow in the belly button. With Hanuman's
aid, they slay the demon. Preah Ream, victorious in his battles, returns to the capital of Ayuthya and ascends
the throne. Preah Ream suspects infidelity as his wife was captive of a very smart and manipulative demon.
Trust issues between him and his wife Neang Seda arise after his wife draws a picture of Krong Reap at the
insistence of her maid servant (as the demon's true face was said to be the ugliest face there was). Fearing her
husband's jealousy, Neang Seda puts the picture under the mattress when she is unexpectedly interrupted.
Krong Reap's power extends to the picture and that night spikes grow from it and poke Preah Ream through
the mattress. He discovers the picture and believes that it confirms his suspicion that his wife succumbed to
Krong Reap's persistent attempts to bed her over the years that she was held prisoner. However, Neang Seda
had resisted all Krong Reap's attempts, even that in which Krong Reap transformed himself into her husband.
Only his scent had given his disguise away. Preah Ream forces his wife to take the trial of fire to prove she is
still pure. Neang Seda passes the test. However, Neang Seda is deeply offended by her husband's lack of trust
in her and his lack of belief in her word. She decides to leave and find refuge with Valmiki the wiseman,
where she gives birth to twin boys. They met their father and he immediately recognizes who they are and
takes them to his palace.[11]

Characters

Humans
Preah Ream [preəh riːəm], is the main protagonist of the epic. He is believed to be the
reincarnation of the Hindu deity Vishnu and the husband of Neang Seda and the father of two
boys.
Neang Seda [niːəɳ seːda], the female protagonist of the epic and wife of Preah Ream. She
gives birth to his two children, but fails to meet happiness at the end of the story. In the epic, she
endured the trial of fire.
Preah Leak [preəh leək], is the brother of Preah Ream and his aid to fight Krong Reap and
rescue Neang Seda.

Mythical beings
Krong Reap [kroɳ riːəp] or simply Reap [riːəp], is the main antagonist of the story. He is the
brother of Sopphanakha and captured the beautiful Neang Seda to his island of Langka.
Hanuman, pronounced as [haʔnomaːn], is the Monkey Warrior who helps rescues Neang
Seda. While building the bridge connecting the island of Langka to the mainland, he fell madly
in love with the mermaid Princess Sovanna Maccha.
Neang Maccha, is a mermaid princess who tried to spoil Hanuman's plans to build a bridge to
Langka but fell in love with him instead and bears his son Mudchanu
 Sugriva is the Monkey King who sent Hanuman to assist Preah Ream.
Surpanakhar is the sister of Krong Reap. She failed to seduce Preah Leak and loses her ear
and nose as a consequence.
Mahachompoo is the king of the kingdom of Chompoo and helps Preah Ream fight Krong
Reap to reclaim Neang Seda with his 18 monkey army
Angkhut is the cousin of Hanuman and son of Vali. He helps Preah Ream fight Krong Reap.

See also
Ramayana
Ramakien
Phra Lak Phra Lam
Hikayat Seri Rama
Khmer classical dance
Dance of Cambodia
Culture of Cambodia
Greater India
Kakawin Ramayana

External links
េរ ង មេករែខរ និង មេគ នៃថ (http://archphkai.wordpress.com/2008/10/23/%e1%9e%9a%e1%9e%
bf%e1%9e%84%e1%9e%9a%e1%9e%b6%e1%9e%98%e1%9e%80%e1%9f%81%e1%9e%9
a%e1%9f%92%e1%9e%8f%e1%9e%b7%e1%9f%8d%e1%9e%81%e1%9f%92%e1%9e%9
8%e1%9f%82%e1%9e%9a-%e1%9e%93%e1%9e%b7%e1%9e%84%e1%9e%9a/)
The Reamker — Toni Shapiro-Phim (http://www.asiasource.org/cambodia/reamker.htm)
Reamker (http://www.reamker.x10hosting.com)
The Treasures of Angkor ISBN 88-544-0117-X
The Reamker (http://www.asiasource.org/cambodia/reamker.htm)

References
1. Leng, Sirang. "Reamker Performance in Khmer Society_English Version" (https://www.academ
ia.edu/36956161).
2. Iyengar, Kodaganallur Ramaswami Srinivasa (2005). Asian Variations in Ramayana: Papers
Presented at the International Seminar on 'Variations in Ramayana in Asia : Their Cultural,
Social and Anthropological Significance", New Delhi, January 1981 (https://books.google.com/
books?id=CU92nFk5fU4C&q=Veal+kantel+inscription&pg=PA264). Sahitya Akademi.
ISBN 9788126018093.
3. Marrison, G. E. (January 1989). "Reamker (Rāmakerti), the Cambodian version of the
Rāmāyaṇa.* a review article". Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society. 121 (1): 122–129.
doi:10.1017/S0035869X00167917 (https://doi.org/10.1017%2FS0035869X00167917).
ISSN 2051-2066 (https://www.worldcat.org/issn/2051-2066).
4. "Khmer literature" (https://www.britannica.com/art/Khmer-literature). Encyclopedia Britannica.
Retrieved 2019-09-09.
5. "Reamker" (https://asiasociety.org/education/reamker). Asia Society. Retrieved 2019-09-09.
6. Le Reamker (http://vorasith.online.fr/cambodge/reamker.htm) - Description of Ream Ker in
French
 7. "Khmer literature" (https://www.britannica.com/art/Khmer-literature). Encyclopedia Britannica.
Retrieved 2019-09-12.
8. "National epic" (https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=National_epic&oldid=915140902),
Wikipedia, 2019-09-11, retrieved 2019-09-12
9. The Reamker (http://asiasociety.org/countries/traditions/reamker) - an article by Toni Shapiro
10. Reamker Epic Legend (http://www.aznforum.com/community/showthread.php?t=361) - a forum
post
11. Reamker - extensive site on the Reamker (http://www.reamker.x10hosting.com)

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