Around the first century, Cambodia was captured by the Funan Empire, after which it was a slave of many countries.
Cambodia and Thailand have come face to face. The forces of the two countries are not only stuck on the border but are also attacking them. There has also been loss of money and people in these attacks. The time will tell what this struggle will take. Cambodia is a historical and culturally rich country of South-East Asia. Its history, relations with neighboring countries, economy and its relationship with India are interesting in many ways.
Let’s know about Cambodia on the pretext of this struggle. Which countries were occupied by this country? Which dynasties ruled here? How to get independence and when? Who are the current ruler? Other interesting facts about this small but culturally important country will also be known. Come, let’s know each fact.
Who ruled Cambodia?
The Funan Empire was here around the first century, which ruled for about five hundred years. After this, the Chenla Empire started ruling here for about three hundred years, which lasted for about three hundred years. When the Chenla Empire captured it, it was marked in two parts. Water Chenla and Thal Chenla. India dominated both these rulers. Their relations with India were excellent due to interaction in business, culture. After this, the Khmer Empire started here, which continued till about six hundred years i.e. 1431 AD. It was considered to be the golden period of Cambodia.
The Khmer dynasty was founded by Jai Varman. At the same time, the temple of the famous Angkor Wat was built here. Earlier this state used to follow Hinduism, later the dominance of Buddhism increased here. The Khmer Empire gradually began to weaken, then the influence of the present Thailand started here. At that time, the rule of the Ayutthya Empire was going on in Thailand. In between, the Khmer dynasty and the Ayutthya Empire kept clash.
In the year 1431, Thailand’s army looted the Angkor Wat temple and from here the Khmer dynasty collapsed. Since the 15th century, Cambodia was known as Thailand, then Syam, and Vietnam was influenced. Many times these two countries captured parts of Cambodia and intervened in the politics there. This series lasted for about two and a half hundred years. In 1863, Cambodia pleaded for security from France, making it part of the French Indochina. In this way, there was a colony of France till about 90 years i.e. 1953.
Angkorwat Temple of Cambodia UNESCO is the world heritage site, Photo: Martin Puddy/Stone/Getty Images
Japan captured
During the Second World War, Japan captured here for about four years. This is from 1941 to 1945. Later France again got its control back.
Freedom received in the year 1953
On 9 November 1953, France liberated Cambodia. Even after this, there was a period of political instability, civil war and dictatorship of Khmer Roose in the country. During this time there was a lot of chaos there. But gradually the country moved towards stability and now there is a stable government there.
From the year 1979 to 1989, Vietnam’s army was occupied here. The reason was that from the year 1975 to 1979, the dangerous rule of Khmer Roose also went here. The public was groaning when Vietnam got a chance and he sent the army to get rid of Khmer Ruzz ruler Pol Pot. In these ten years, the power here remained in the hands of Hang Samarin.
More than 95% of Cambodia’s population considers Buddhism. Photo: Bob Krist/The Image Bank/Getty Images
Cambodia borders from which countries?
Cambodia borders a total of three countries. In the west and north, there is Thailand and Laos is located in the north. In the east and southeast, there is Vietnam, while the border of Cambodia in the south meets the Gulf of Thailand.
Who are the current ruler?
Now Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy. Currently, King of Cambodia is Narodam Sihamani, who has been on the throne since 2004. Hoon Manet is the current Prime Minister, who took over the position after his father Hoon Sen in 2023.
How is the economy?
Cambodia’s economy is developing and is mainly based on agriculture, textile industry, tourism and construction. Rice, rubber, maize, and fisheries are prominent in agriculture. Millions of people are working in Cambodia’s textiles and dress industry and it is a big part of the country’s exports. Historical sites like Angkor Wat are world famous, which is an important part of the economy of tourism Cambodia. Poverty, corruption, education and lack of health services, and economic inequality are still major challenges of this country.
Cambodia The name of the currency is “Real”.Photo: Pixabay
What issue is it from Thailand?
The main dispute between Cambodia and Thailand is about the Preh Vihar temple. The temple is located on the Cambodia-Thailand border. In 1962, the International Court of International Court considered it a part of Cambodia, but Thailand did not fully accept the decision.
Between 2008-2011, there were many military clashes in this area. Now again the armies of both countries are face to face. When Thailand attacked with a fighter jet, Cambodia also left no stone unturned.
Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and UNESCO is the World Heritage Site. The flag of Cambodia is the only national flag that has a picture of a building (Angkor Wat). The currency here is named “Real”, but the US dollar also runs widely. More than 95% of Cambodia’s population considers Buddhism.
Relationships between India and Cambodia
The relations between India and Cambodia are strong at historical, cultural and economic level. In ancient times, Hindu and Buddhism spread from India to Cambodia. Angkor carpet temples give a glimpse of Indian architecture and culture. India established diplomatic relations with Cambodia in the year 1952. India has been supporting Cambodia in development assistance, education, health, IT, and capacity building. Cultural exchange, scholarships, and tourism are promoted between the two countries. India is strengthening its relations with Cambodia under its Act East Policy.
Cambodia’s history is an example of struggles and reconstruction. Today this country is known for its cultural heritage, tourism, and growing economy towards development. The kind of ups and downs that this country has seen, in such a situation, the story of Cambodia is inspiring not only for South-East Asia, but for the whole world.
Also read: How much do India go to Thailand and Cambodia in India? Where the situation like war