Ancient Queens Who Shaped an Asian Empire:
Indradevi and Jayarajadevi
In 12th century Southeast Asia the Khmer civilization brought education, health, spirituality and enlightenment to the masses. Two women, King Jayavarman VII's queens, played critical roles in the kingdom's expansion and success.
The temple of Angkor Wat may be Cambodia's most well-known landmark but the prolific King Jayavarman VII built hundreds of stone monuments, including the complex
shrines of the Bayon, Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom, Preah Khan, and Banteay Chhmar.
Fascination with this king's architectural creations and territorial conquests has justifiably
attracted much attention. New research now suggests that two brilliant advisers helped
this king change the course of history. The king's talented co-architects in shaping the
Khmer Empire were none other than his two wives, Queen Indradevi and Queen
Jayarajadevi.
Angkor Thom, Bayon, Preah Khan
Together, this royal triad made some of the most important contributions to Khmer heritage: First, they built unique temples throughout Southeast Asia; Buddhist monuments and public structures that to this day bless Cambodia with cultural heritage that attracts millions of interested tourists from around the world.
Second, the enlightened triad implemented social systems in the 12th century that we still strive
for today. While Europe was in the Dark Ages, these rulers gave their subjects -- men and
women alike -- the right to education, property ownership, political power and public healthcare.
While most contemporary social programs come into existence through the struggles or
revolutions of the people these changes came from the royals themselves.
Many of their social programs are well-documented by archaeological analysis of public infrastructure built during Jayavarman VII's reign, including roadways, bridges, small temples,
rest stops and hospitals. Little, however, was known about the efforts spearheaded by the two
queens to grant and raise women powers to divine heights at that time.
Recent research on the two queens reveals evidence of female
power and participation within the government. Additional evidence from illustrated bas-reliefs,
monument pediments and written inscriptions on steles offers insights that document the proactive
approach these women took as unsung pioneers of social values and women's rights.
At all the five gates of Angkor Thom, the royal triad greets all visitors.