Politics, Government, and Religious Beliefs: The reign of King Rājendravarman II (944-968 AD) as reflected in the East Mebon Inscription k.528
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Abstract
This paper explores the East Mebon Inscription k.528, an archaeological artifact from the 10th century Khmer civilization, to examine the reflections of politics, government, and religious beliefs within its content. The inscription sheds light on the political organization and governance under the reign of King Rājendravarman II (944-968 AD), emphasizing the role of the king as a central figure with divine attributes. It also reveals insights into the religious practices and beliefs, highlighting the association between the ruler and Hindu deities, particularly Lord Śiva. Furthermore, the inscription offers glimpses into the social hierarchy and the elevated status of the ruling elite. By analyzing the East Mebon Inscription k.528, this paper elucidates the intricate interplay between politics, government, and religious beliefs within the empire society, under the reign of the king who bought the protector of the royalty back to Angkor (Yaśodharapura), and attempted to reunite again the Khmer empire.
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