Question

Who, among the following, was the last famous ruler of ‘Kambuja’?

• A. Sresthavarman
• B. Jaivarman VII
• C. Sryatvarman V
• D. Mahendravarman

Hint:

Important Southeast Asian kingdoms:
• Kambuja → Khmer Empire
• Sri-Vijaya → Buddhist maritime kingdom
• Java → Hindu-Buddhist cultural center Jaivarman VII is famous for the Bayon temple and Buddhist patronage.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Kambuja, also known as the Khmer Empire of Cambodia, was one of the greatest Indianized kingdoms of Southeast Asia. It was deeply influenced by:
• Indian religion,
• Sanskrit language,
• temple architecture,
• and Hindu-Buddhist traditions. Among its rulers, Jaivarman VII is regarded as the last great and famous ruler of Kambuja.

Step 1: Understanding the Kambuja kingdom. The Kambuja or Khmer Empire ruled large parts of Southeast Asia and became famous for:
• monumental architecture,
• administrative organization,
• and cultural achievements. The empire reached great heights under powerful kings who built magnificent temples and promoted religion and education.

Step 2: Understanding the importance of Jaivarman VII. Jaivarman VII was one of the greatest rulers of the Khmer Empire. He is remembered for:
• expanding the empire,
• promoting Mahayana Buddhism,
• constructing roads and hospitals,
• and building famous monuments such as Bayon. Historians regard him as the last great ruler of Kambuja because after his reign the empire gradually declined.

Step 3: Analyzing all the options carefully.
• Option (A) Sresthavarman: Sresthavarman was an earlier ruler and not the last famous ruler of Kambuja.
• Option (B) Jaivarman VII: Jaivarman VII is regarded as the last great ruler of Kambuja. Therefore, this option is correct.
• Option (C) Sryatvarman V: Sryatvarman V was important but not considered the last famous ruler.
• Option (D) Mahendravarman: Mahendravarman belonged to earlier historical developments and is not identified as the final great ruler of Kambuja.

Step 4: Historical significance of Jaivarman VII. Jaivarman VII’s reign is historically important because:
• Buddhist influence increased greatly,
• architecture flourished,
• public welfare projects expanded,
• and the Khmer Empire reached one of its highest cultural stages. His reign marked the final peak of Kambuja civilization.

Step 5: Final conclusion. Since Jaivarman VII was the last famous ruler of Kambuja, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{Jaivarman VII}} \]