2014

Christian Fischer

  • Assistant Professor
  • University of California, Los Angeles
Picture of Christian Fischer

Project

The Two Buddhist Towers: A Multi-Scalar Evaluation of the Practice, Change, and Function of Buddhism at the Regional Angkorian Center of Preah Khan of Kompong Svay, Cambodia (Tenth to Seventeenth C. Ce)

Collaborative Group

Mr. Mitch Hendrickson, Dr. Christian Fischer, Dr. Christian Fischer

Department

Materials S&E/Getty-UCLA Conservation Program

Location

Buddhism is an integral part of Cambodia’s rich cultural past however we lack critical understanding of the religion’s practice, function, and transitions during the Angkorian and Middle periods (9th-18th c. CE) periods. Preah Khan of Kompong Svay, a singularly Buddhist site occupied from the 10th t

Abstract

Buddhism is an integral part of Cambodia’s rich cultural past however we lack critical understanding of the religion’s practice, function, and transitions during the Angkorian and Middle periods (9th-18th c. CE) periods. Preah Khan of Kompong Svay, a singularly Buddhist site occupied from the 10th to 17th centuries and home to the Mahayana Preah Thkol and Theravadin Preah Chatomukh towers, represents a unique location to investigate such internal and external dynamics. Combining archaeological, epigraphic and material science this project seeks to conduct a rigorous, multi-scalar assessment of monastic lifeways through time and the intriguing state-level decision of Angkor’s traditionally Brahmanic kings to devote this regional center to Buddhism.