khmer empire

Thailand and Cambodia are currently disputing over the ancient Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, has been a source of conflict for centuries. The International Court of Justice has ruled in favor of Cambodia in the past. Due to unrest, Thailand and India have issued travel advisories for the border region.

The US on Monday returned an ancient decapitated statue of Hindu god Rama stolen from Cambodia during the South East Asian country's civil war in the 70s. Called the "Torso of Rama", the 10th century sandstone statue sans its head, arms and feet was acquired by the Denver Art Museum 30 years ago.

Centuries ago, Kaundinya, an Indian mariner, journeyed to the Mekong Delta, encountering Queen Soma of the Naga clan. Their union sparked the rise of Funan, the first Indianised state in Southeast Asia. This alliance fostered a unique cultural synthesis, blending Indian traditions with indigenous beliefs, leaving a lasting legacy on Cambodian history through commerce, kinship, and cultural dialogue.

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated into deadly violence along their contested border, marked by exchanges of fire, airstrikes, and diplomatic expulsions. The conflict, rooted in a century-old dispute over the Preah Vihear temple and surrounding land, has seen both nations accusing each other of aggression.

A 900-year-old statue of the Hindu god Shiva, illegally taken from Thailand, was returned to Thailand after being displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York for 30 years. The repatriation ceremony in Bangkok involved the statue linked to art dealer Douglas Latchford, known for trafficking looted relics from Cambodia and Thailand.

A lost city that thrived on a mist-shrouded Cambodian mountain 1,200 years ago has been discovered by archaeologists using airborne laser technology, Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Wild macaques at Cambodia's Angkor Wat have become aggressive due to being fed by YouTubers making viral videos. These actions have led to attacks on tourists and damage to the temple's ancient structures. Authorities are developing solutions to manage these monkeys and warn visitors to avoid engaging with them.

A tragic incident occurred at Cambodia's Angkor Wat. Lightning struck, resulting in three fatalities and multiple injuries. The victims were seeking shelter near the main temple. Authorities are urging people to refrain from sharing details online. The Cambodian Red Cross provided assistance to the affected families. Angkor Wat, a Unesco site, remains a major tourist destination despite this unfortunate event.

Explore Asia's ancient cities, including Varanasi, Xi'an, Kyoto, Angkor, Bagan, Kathmandu, Petra, and Lhasa. Discover their rich histories, unique architecture, and cultural heritage that span thousands of years. These cities provide an intriguing glimpse into the past civilizations and continue to preserve the traditions and stories of Asia's diverse cultures.

After hundreds of years of dominating the Indian Ocean and the broader region, the West is gradually withdrawing. This is allowing the emergence of new geopolitical dynamics. In the Middle East, we see a Sunni alliance led by Saudi Arabia and Turkey pitted against a Shia alliance led by Iran.

Originally constructed during the the khmer empire, Preah Vihear and Prasat Ta Muen Thom temples carry deep cultural and historical importance for both nations, symbolising a shared yet contested heritage that continues to fuel tensions

Harihara images here indicate the conquest of the Vishnu regions by kings who saw themselves as forms of Shiva. It also indicates — in typical Hindu style — a desire to amalgamate two rival ideas rather than supersede the rival idea

UNESCO's World Heritage Committee recently concluded its session in Paris. Twenty-six new sites were added to the prestigious World Heritage List. The additions highlight community conservation efforts. Focus is also on African heritage. The list now includes sites from India, Cambodia and other countries. The total number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites is now 1,248 across 170 countries.

Fresh border clashes erupt between Thailand and Cambodia, shattering a fragile truce. Accusations of landmine planting and provocative actions fly as a decades-old territorial dispute, fueled by historical grievances and nationalistic fervor, continues to destabilize the region. Experts warn the conflict is spreading, with little hope for immediate resolution.

Strap: Award-winning writer and historian William Dalrymple - who’s also a prominent podcaster, and critic - has a new book out titled ‘The Golden Road’. In this episode of BookMark, he talks about what inspired the book about what is the Golden Road, why certain cultural aspects didn’t get exported and writing history that’s accessible to a wider audience.

A collection of rare books, paintings, awards and other items belonging to noted author Nirad C Chaudhuri have gone missing, as per his son Prithvi Narayan Chaudhuri

When historian and author William Dalrymple visited Angkor Wat, he wondered, ‘Why is the world’s biggest Hindu temple not in India but Cambodia?’. The idea seeded his latest book, ‘The Golden Road’. But at least one prominent archaeologist believes the inspiration for Angkor might have sprung from a unique temple in Himachal Pradesh