THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANCIENT COMMUNITIES SETTLED DOWN AT PHNOM RUNG, BURIRAM PROVINCE

Abstract

The study has revealed the fact that the topography of Phnom Rung was suitable fot the settlements of the ancient communities. There were 46 ancient communities established around Phnom Rung starting from the 7th-9th century A.D. The communities became more crowded during the 10th century A.D. when the Khmer cultures had spread into the area. After the Khmer influences, many cultural changes occurred, such as, the pattern of settlement, water resource management, and religious sanctuaries on Phnom Rung. Phnom Rung was compared to Kailasa which was believed to be the abode of Siva (one of the principal Hindu deities). Phnom Rung Temple therefore, could be regarded as the center of Hinduism (Saivism).

It is assumed that the ancient communities were extremely crowded during the construction of the main building of Phnom Rung. Major evidence that shows the relationship between the communities and Phnom Rung are boundary stones and Khmer ceramics which were found in every community in the study area. Apart from the center of the religion, Phnom Rung maintained the center of the surrounding communities. After the Khmer kingdom was weakened in the 13th century A.S., the role of Phnom Rung as the center of religious activities and communities diminished and finally vanished.