The Dynamics of Religious Narratives in Cambodian Classical Literature: Indian Influences and Khmer Innovations

Abstract

This study analyses the dynamics of religious narrative in Cambodian classical literature under the scope of incorporating and redacting Indian religious elements, particularly Hindu and Buddhist-influenced thought, as expressed in the Reamker and Jātaka tales. The study uses qualitative data collection and analysis techniques to examine the reception, localization, and creative reconstruction of dominant frameworks within Khmer literature and culture. Rather than being passive adaptations of Indian epics, the Cambodian versions of the Rāmayāṇa and Jātaka were actively transformed to serve Khmer notions of kingship, morality, social unity, and spirituality. The study shows that core Indic motifs of Cambodian classical literature, such as dharma, karma, and enlightenment, were present in the literature but narrated within the frame of Khmer values and signifiers. The stance taken towards Preah Ream and Neang Seda was altered to depict them as virtuous Khmers, and Krong Reap, the antagonistic figure, was softened to encourage more nuanced moral comprehension. There were also primary shifts in the theme towards compassion for fellow people, agrarian merit, harmony with nature, and strong alignment with Theravāda Buddhism, ethically speaking, as practiced in Cambodia. The encouragement of symbolic localization further illustrates the extent to which the narratives have transformed. Phnom Kulen and the Tonlé Sap were integrated in place of the Ganges River and the Himalayas, and divine motifs were fused with Khmer Indigenous spiritual symbols such as naga and apsaras. Such modifications guaranteed that the stories were comprehensible and functioned effectively for teaching purposes within Khmer society. This paper argues that Cambodian classical literature is an example of storytelling adaptation that characteristically demonstrates ways of cultural resilience, artistic reinterpretation, and moral instruction. It advocates for the incorporation of these texts into current educational systems, calling for modern Cambodia to take steps towards their digital preservation while asking other scholars to consider study focuses such as contemporary adaptations of these texts, regional differences, and comparisons.