The Origin of the Khmer People — Part 3

The third part of the origin of the Khmer people tells about the formation of the first kingdom in the history of Cambodia — the Funan Kingdom (Nokor Phnom), which arose around the 1st century AD. According to history, King Kaundinya and Queen Soma established this early state, adopting the three-class system from India to organize governance, society, and religion.

Map of the Funan Kingdom — The first Khmer state around the 1st century AD

🏛️ The First Khmer State

Funan was the earliest known political organization of the Khmer people. It had a clear system of administration, religion, and social structure — forming the foundation for later kingdoms such as Chenla and Angkor.

👑 Founders of Funan

King Kaundinya — an Indian Brahmin who brought political and religious knowledge to the Khmer land.
Queen Soma — a local princess who represented the indigenous Naga lineage.
Their union symbolized the fusion between Indian civilization and native Khmer culture.

🌏 Cultural and Religious Influence

Under Funan, Hinduism and early forms of Buddhism began to spread in Cambodia. Indian art, writing systems, and administrative models were adapted into local customs, creating a distinct Khmer identity.

🕰️ Legacy of Funan

The legacy of Funan continued through the Chenla and Angkor periods, shaping the Khmer Empire’s greatness in art, architecture, and culture that remains admired to this day.