Jayavarman VIII

Who is Jayavarman VIII?

Jayavarman VIII was one of the kings of the Khmer empire. His rule lasted from 1243 till 1295, when he abdicated.

It was during the reign of Jayavarman VIII that the Mongol forces under the command of Kublai Khan attacked the Angkor empire in 1283. In 1281, Jayavarman VIII had imprisoned emissaries of the Mongol generalissimo in Champa. In 1283, he decided to pay tribute and buy peace and thus his rule survived. In 1290, the Mon people regained their independence. In 1295, he was overthrown by his son-in-law Indravarman III, a Buddhist.