A Study of the Influence of Khmer Art on Uma Images in Thailand

Abstract

Uma was the consort of the Lord Shiva, the goddess who was given the utmost respect in the sect of Shaivism. Indian beliefs about the goddess are based on the mother goddess. In the Vedas, various gods and goddess, who represent natural phenomena, have complex personalities and are related to each other. Since the Gupta period, Uma or Parvati has been combined with the features of a local goddess and has been cited as Shakti or the consort of Shiva who is the source of empowerment of the Lord Shiva. In Thailand, many sculptures of Uma are influenced by Khmer art both those carved of stone and those made of cast metal. The sculptures have been dated to between the 7th and 13th centuries and look more Khmer than Indian. The iconography of Uma in Thailand and Cambodia are different from India as can been seen by Uma holding the conch in the upper left hand and the chakra in the upper right hand, both of which are the weapons of Vishnu as opposed to Uma.