By: Chea Vanny

Abstract

Reamke, one of the oldest works of Khmer literature since Angkor period, is very well-known and influential in Khmer socio-culture. To the study of Khmer literature, Reamke is historically representing the richness of ideas in Khmer literature (both written and oral).

In Khmer culture, Angkor Wat is representing an outstanding Khmer art in architecture, Apsara dance is representing the Khmer art in famous classical dancing and Reamke is well-known in Khmer written work of literature.

Although Khmer Reamke was adapted from Ramayana of India, which was composed by Valmiki, it was, from the study, creatively composed to be the Khmer work of literature: the way of composing, the settings and names described in the story etc. They were so Khmer that was why the story was famous among Khmer people and deeply rooted in Khmer culture and civilization.

Reamke now has been seen in many forms of Khmer arts: written literature, architecture and fine artsand dramas etc. Many people did not know how importantly Reamke has been playing a role in Khmer culture and civilzation. They even hardly know what have been literally showing from Reamke. They did not know where Reamke could be found, how many more parts of its entire story have been left out, who was the author and when it was written.

Relating to these concerns, the research studies on what related to Reamke have been conducted in sake of bringing knowledge about Reamke through the work of literature, architecture and fine arts, and drama to people. In addition, the work is done in an intention that it could participate in conservation of Khmer cultural collective works of Ramke, through which the knowledge of Khmer culture has been spread and strengthened. The study is intentionally identified that through Reamke the richness of Khmer literature has been shown and the differences between Reamke in written literature and Reamke in architecture and fine arts, and Reamke in drama, and well as among the written works of Reamke literatures themselves have been examined.

After having been conducting the research study on work collection of Reamke in the work of literature, architecture, and drama, it is learned that Reamke is a priceless work of literature, which plays a vital role in Khmer society. It is a source that could be learned about Khmer culture and civilization. As Reamke has been strongly influencing in Cambodian society for centuries, its images have shown through almost all forms of Khmer literature namely: Literature, architecture, paintings, plastic arts, Royal dance, Lokhaon Khaol, Lokhaon Sramaol etc.

All the above mentioned are the evidence that Reamke is famous, which make the readers and students admire Reamke that it is a precious stone in Khmer culture and its popularity is nation wide.

So in the name of a study researcher, a lover of national culture and civilization, and a Khmer citizen, we have to know clearly all national inherits and try to fully preserve them for the next generation. In so doing, Reamke should not be taken for granted; it has to be preserved for its nobleness and prestige in Khmer culture and civilization. And that will be a work, which only Khmer people, not others, who are responsible to preserve, to manage and develop.

Institution: Royal Academy of Cambodia

Supervisor: Mr. Som Somuny (Ph.D)

Degree: Master of Literature