Srah Srang

History

Sras Srang was dug in the mid-10th century, by initiative of Kavindrarimathana, Buddhist minister of Rajendravarman II. It was modified around the year 1200 by Jayavarman VII,

French archeological expeditions have found a necropolis close to it.

The site

At present Srah Srang measures 700 by 350 m and is still partially flooded. As other barays, maybe there was a temple standing on an artificial island in the middle of it, as suggested by finding of a basement. The landing-stage, opposite the entrance to Banteay Kdei, is a popular site for viewing the sunrise. It is cruciform, flanked by nāga balustrades which end with the upright head of a serpent, mounted by a garuda with its wings unfurled. The steps that lead down to the water are flanked by two guardian lions.

A 1600 sq. meter cemetery was discovered at the north-west corner of the reservoir. Mortuary jars containing cremated remains and other artifacts dating from the reign of Udayadityavarman II were excavated by B.P. Groslier.

Notes

References

• Dumarçay, Jacques et al. Cambodian Architecture, Eight to Thirteenth Century. 2001. .
• Freeman, Michael. Jacques, Claude. Ancient Angkor. River Books 2006. .

References

1. Freeman, Michael. Jacques, Claude. ''Ancient Angkor''. River Books 2006. {{ISBN. 974-8225-27-5. p.151
2. {{rp. 125 who added the [[laterite]] landing-stage at its western side, probably because the [[East Baray]] had been overwhelmed by sediment and had begun malfunctioning.Dumarçay, Jacques et al. ''Cambodian Architecture, Eight to Thirteenth Century''. 2001. {{ISBN. 90-04-11346-0. p.100
3. Courbin, Paul. ''Les fouilles du Sras Srang'' in Dumarçay, Jacques. ''Documents graphiques de la Conservation d'Angkor, 1963-1972''. EFEO. 1988
4. Higham, C., 2001, The Civilization of Angkor, London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, {{ISBN. 9781842125847