| The Kingdom of Champa
appeared in the late 2nd century and lasted till the 15th century
when it was finally overrun by the Viets and the Khmer. During this time they were sometimes pirates and launched continuous raids along the Indochinese coast. Consequently, they were always at war with theVietnamese and the Khmer. A 100,000 Chams survive today. Weaving is traditionally highly valued in courtship and family life. In some villages 80 percent of the Cham households still practice this craft. |
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The Cham towers can be found throughout the coastal region of central Vietnam, and as far north as Da Nang and the former religious center of My Son. To this day, the Vietnamese continue to venerate these structures. |
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Originally the Chams were Hindus and Buddhists, now more than 1/3 have converted to Islam to form the country's only sizable Muslim population. |
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The Chams were heavily influenced by the Khmer as well as Indian art from their lively exchange of trade with India. |
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The Poklongarai towers were built between the 13th and14th centurys. This was the place of worship for King Poklongarai (1151-1205), who was renown for his great deeds for the Cham people. He is especially famous for the construction of the local irrigation system. |
rwalsh@salemstate.edu bporemba@salemstate.edu |
