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Jayavarman VIII

Type Figure Region Cambodia Time c. 1220–1295 Also known as Jayavarman VIII、ជ័យវរ្ម័នទី៨、Paramesvarapada

Jayavarman VIII (13th century–1295) was king of the Angkor dynasty, reigning roughly from 1243 to 1295.

Timeline

  1. 1243–1270Angkor · Siem Reap ProvinceHe succeeded Indravarman II around 1243 and was a devout Shaiva Hindu. In the early part of his reign he systematically destroyed Buddhist images and converted Buddhist temples into Hindu ritual sites, with statues at places such as Phimeanakas and the Bayon being destroyed or buried. Meanwhile the empire was squeezed on the western flank by the rise of Sukhothai, and Champa in the southeast gradually broke away from the tributary relationship.
  2. 1281–1295Angkor · Siem Reap ProvinceIn 1281 he imprisoned Yuan envoys sent to Champa; in 1283, facing the southward threat of the Yuan general Sogetu, he chose to pay tribute and seek peace, sending annual tribute to the Yuan from 1285 to avert full-scale war. Yuan historical records note that in 1291 the king of Chenla sent envoys bearing tribute of gold, ivory, and other goods. He abdicated in 1295 and was replaced by his Buddhist son-in-law Indravarman III.

Sources