Angkor Wat Legacy: ASI Leads Ta Prohm Restoration in Cambodia
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Cambodia’s Siem Reap harbors architectural wonders that echo India’s ancient influence: Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm. The former, a 12th-century Vishnu shrine by Suryavarman II, dwarfs all as the planet’s biggest faith-based monument over 400 acres, showcasing Khmer genius in stone.
Ta Prohm, equally enchanting, is a 12th-century Buddhist haven built by Jayavarman VII for his mother. Its fame lies in the dramatic fusion of ruins and towering trees, roots weaving through walls like a scene from an adventure film.
India’s Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) shoulders Ta Prohm’s conservation, a duty affirmed during MEA Secretary (East) P. Kumaraswamy’s visit. Captured in images, he surveyed the progress amid the site’s otherworldly ambiance.
India’s involvement dates to the 1980s, when it jumpstarted Angkor Wat’s recovery amid turmoil. Today, joint teams employ advanced techniques to fortify stones, remove invasive growth selectively, and revive faded inscriptions.
This endeavor symbolizes enduring friendship, drawing scholars and tourists alike. With UNESCO backing, it promises sustained vitality for these icons. India’s expertise not only saves the past but inspires future cultural dialogues between the nations.
