Khmer Architecture Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the significance of the concentric walls surrounding Khmer temples?

  • They represent the mountain ranges surrounding Mount Meru. (correct)
  • They provide structural support for large buildings.
  • They symbolize the wealth of the Khmer Empire.
  • They are a stylistic choice for aesthetic appeal.

During the Khmer period, what was Angkor best known for?

  • Being the capital city of the Khmer Empire. (correct)
  • Being the smallest city of the Khmer Empire.
  • Hosting the first Khmer architectural schools.
  • Having the highest population density in the region.

What architectural feature defines Kompong Preah Style temples?

  • They are made entirely of wood.
  • They have flat roofs.
  • They have circular columns. (correct)
  • They incorporate extensive glass materials.

Which statement correctly describes the function of Barai in Khmer architecture?

<p>It is a human-made lake for irrigation and supply. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishing characteristic is associated with colonetes in Khmer architecture?

<p>They are larger compared to previous styles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of Khmer temple architecture is known to have an uncertain true purpose?

<p>Library (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What orientation does the Angkor Wat temple face?

<p>West (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In regards to Khmer temple design, what is the primary purpose of a Gopura?

<p>Acts as an entrance building to access a temple (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes 'Bakan' in the context of the central sanctuary?

<p>The highest elevated sanctuary (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable architectural feature of the central sanctuary of a Khmer temple?

<p>A monumental head of the deity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Mekong River in the context of early Cambodian settlements?

<p>It is where settlements began due to its fertile banks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which building material was primarily utilized by the Khmers during their early architectural period?

<p>Wood (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the Sambor Prei Kuk style of architecture?

<p>Temples built in round shape with plain designs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What architectural element is specifically associated with the Sambor Prei Kuk style?

<p>Rectangular colonnetes with sandstone capitals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes the climate that influenced the architecture in Cambodia?

<p>Tropical with a significant monsoon season. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which period marks the transition to Angkor as a capital?

<p>Pre Angkorean period. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant feature of the Prei Khemg Style?

<p>Masterpieces of sculpture but scarce architecture. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of laterite in early Khmer architecture?

<p>Formed walls and other structural elements. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What symbolizes the transition from the world of men to the world of the gods in the context of Angkor temples?

<p>The nine-headed serpent adorning the Naga Bridge (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which architectural feature serves to reinforce the presence of Indra in Khmer architecture?

<p>The Naga Bridge (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Quincunx arrangement in Khmer architecture?

<p>Conveys the five peaks of Mount Meru (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is depicted in the bas-reliefs of Angkor temples?

<p>Mythical stories and historical narratives (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Angkor temple stairs represents 'the stairway to heaven'?

<p>The steepness with an angle ascent of 45 to 70 degrees (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mythical creature is characterized as a temple guardian with a lion's head and dragon's body?

<p>Reachisey (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Khmer architecture, what is the function of Dvarapala?

<p>To serve as temple guardians (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element of Khmer architecture features a representation of a cylinder symbolic of the Hindu God Shiva?

<p>Linga (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Khmer Period

The period in history where Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire, from approximately 1010-1220 CE.

Enclosure (Khmer Temples)

A concentric series of walls surrounding the temples, representing the mountain ranges surrounding Mount Meru.

Colonetes (Khmer Architecture)

Larger columns used in Khmer architecture compared to previous styles.

Kompong Preah Style

A style of Khmer temples, marked by more decorative rings on colonetes, which remained cylindrical.

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Barai (Khmer)

Human-made lake used for irrigation and water supply in Khmer civilizations.

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Pre-Angkorian Period

The period before Angkor became the capital of Cambodia.

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Sambor Prei Kuk Style

A style of temples in Cambodia, featuring round shapes and plain, bulb-shaped capitals.

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Prei Khmeng Style

A style known for its sculpted structures, but less developed architecture.

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Angkor

A city that became a capital during a period of Cambodian architecture.

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Mekong River

A river that played a significant role in settlements' origins in Cambodia

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Timber Building Material

Primarily used by the Khmers in early settlements, particularly in delta areas.

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Laterite and Sandstone Bricks

Building materials used in Cambodia, along with timber in delta regions.

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Mount Meru in Hindu Mythology

The home of the Hindu gods, often depicted as a mountain.

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Khmer Temples

Stepped pyramid-shaped temples with the highest sanctuary in the center, dedicated to a primary deity.

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Gopura

An entrance building or pavilion to a temple, often placed at the cardinal points.

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Bakan (Central Sanctuary)

The central part of a Khmer temple, housing the main shrine of the temple's primary deity.

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Prang

Free-standing tower-like spire in Khmer temples, richly carved.

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Vimanas

Tower-like structures in Indian architecture, resembling the shikhara of Hindu temples, often found at entrances and facing west.

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Naga Bridge

A bridge in Angkorian temples adorned with a nine-headed serpent, representing the transition from the human world to the divine.

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Linga

A cylindrical symbol representing Shiva, the Hindu god of creation, often placed in the central sanctuary of temples.

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Bas-reliefs

Sculpted figures or scenes carved into stone walls, depicting stories from mythology and history.

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Quincunx

A spatial arrangement of five elements, representing the five peaks of Mount Meru, a sacred mountain in Hinduism.

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Apsara

Celestial dancing girls in Khmer art.

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Devata

Minor female deities in Khmer art.

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Dvarapala

Demonic temple guardians in Khmer art, often wielding clubs and lances.

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Study Notes

Khmer Architecture

  • Khmer is the name of the early Cambodian civilization, known as the golden era of Cambodia.
  • Westerners refer to Cambodia as Kampuchea.
  • Settlements started in river valleys, specifically the Mekong River.
  • Timber, laterite, sandstone, and terracotta bricks were the primary building materials.
  • Laterite is a soft sedimentary rock that hardens when heated.
  • Sandstone consists of compressed layers of sediments.
  • Cambodia has a tropical climate, with monsoonal seasons.

Architectural Periods

  • Pre-Angkorian Period: Angkor became the capital city during this era.
  • Sambor Prei Kuk style: temples were built in round shapes, with simple, unadorned columns. Capitals often incorporated bulbs, showcasing both Buddhist and Hindu influence.
  • Prei Khmeng Style (Prei Khemg): structures feature large sculptures, but architectural details are less elaborate. Colonettes are larger than prior styles.
  • Kompong Preah Style: Temples had decorative rings and cylindrical colonettes. Brickwork remained a key element of construction.

Khmer Period

  • Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire, and a major world city.
  • Key architectural features in Khmer temples and cities included concentric walls surrounding temples shaped like mountains representing Mount Meru, a sacred Hindu mountain, housing the deities.
  • Temple structures were designed in the shape of stepped pyramids.
  • The highest part/sanctuary was at the center, symbolizing the home of the temple's deity.
  • Structures like the Bakong, Baphuon, Pre Rup, Ta Keo, Koh Ker, Phimeanakas, and Phrom Bakeng are notable examples.
  • The central sanctuary within the temples held the shrine of the primary deity.
  • Structures like the Prang have carved tower-like spires that get smaller as they rise. This design resembles the shikhara of Hindu temples and the Viman in India.
  • Angkor Wat is a complex temple structure that faces west. The entrance structures are called gopuras.
  • Libraries were common architectural features often found in pairs. They were used as archive rooms.

Khmer Period Elements

  • Bas-reliefs: Narrative carvings in stone walls depicting stories from mythology and history.
  • Stairs: Steep stairs, with angles between 45° and 70°, led to the temples, symbolizing a "stairway to heaven."
  • Apsara: Celestial dancers and minor female deities, commonly depicted in sculptures.
  • Devata: Minor female deities.
  • Dvarapala: Temple guardians (often demons) represented with clubs and lances.
  • Gajasimha: Mythical animal with a lion's body and elephant head.
  • Reachisey: mythical animal with lion's body and elephant head.
  • Garuda: Half-human and half-bird, protector deity.

Other Features

  • Naga Bridges: Nine-headed serpent sculptures adorned entrances of temples.
  • Lingas: Cylindrical pillars symbolizing Shiva, a Hindu deity of creative power. The representations were often placed in temple sanctuaries.
  • Quincunx: Five elements arranged to depict Mount Meru.

Colonial Period

  • No specific details about architecture are provided in the text.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of Khmer architecture, which flourished during the early Cambodian civilization known for its distinctive building styles and materials. This quiz covers the architectural periods, key characteristics, and the historical context of this golden era in Cambodia. Test your knowledge on the stunning temples and structures that define Khmer heritage.

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