11 Facts About Suryavarman I

Suryavarman I was king of the Khmer Empire from 1006 to 1050.

Suryavarman I was a Mahayana Buddhist who was tolerant of the growing Theravada Buddhist presence in the Khmer kingdom.

Suryavarman I established diplomatic relations with the Chola dynasty of south India around 1012.

Suryavarman I sent a chariot as a present to the Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola I It seems that the Khmer king Suryavarman I requested aid from the powerful Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola against the Tambralinga kingdom.

Suryavarman I's reign lasted some 40 years, and he spent much of that time defending it.

Suryavarman I favored Buddhism but allowed the people to continue practising Hinduism.

Suryavarman I's palace was situated in the vicinity of Angkor Thom, and he was the first Khmer ruler to protect his palace with a wall.

Suryavarman I expanded his territory to the west to Lopburi, including the Menam basin in Thailand, and east into the Mekong basin.

Suryavarman I probably started construction at Preah Khan Kompong Svay and expanded Banteay Srei, Wat Ek Phnom, and Phnom Chisor.

Suryavarman I died in 1050 and was given the posthumous title Nirvanapada, a nod to his Buddhist beliefs.

Suryavarman I was succeeded by his sons, Udayadityavarman II, who died around 1066, and Harshavarman III, who continued the struggle against internal rebellions and fought off assaults from the Chams until his death in 1080.