- Author:
- Thomson, John
- Publication Info:
-
New York:
Harper and Bros,
1875,
pg 143
Text on page 143
THE RAMAYANA.
143
cate that art was fostered and reached a high state of perfection among the a Khamen-te-buran/ or ancient Cambodians.
The chief subjects represented are battle-scenes, taken from the epic poems Ramayana and Mahabarata (which the Siamese are said to have received from India about the fourth or fifth century). Disciplined forces are depicted marching to the field, possessing distinct characteristics soon lost in the confusion of battle. In the eager faces and attitudes of the warriors,
CAMBODIAN FEMALE HEAD-DRESS. ANCIENT SCULPTURE.
as they press forward past bands of musicians, we see that music then, as now, had its spirit-stirring influence, ^e also find humane actions representedaa group bending over a wounded comrade to extract an arrow, 0r remove him from the field. There are also the most animated scenes of deeds of braveryasoldiers saving the lives of their chiefs; chiefs bending over their plunging steeds, and measuring their prowess in s*ngle combat; and finally, the victorious army quitting the field laden with spoil, and guarding the numerous captives with cavalry in front and rear.as they press forward past bands of musicians, we see that music then, as now, had its spirit-stirring influence, ^e also find humane actions representeda a group bending over a wounded comrade to extract an arrow, 0r remove him from the field. There are also the most animated scenes of deeds of braverya soldiers saving the lives of their chiefs; chiefs bending over their plunging steeds, and measuring their prowess in s*ngle combat; and finally, the victorious army quitting the field laden with spoil, and guarding the numerous captives with cavalry in front and rear.
