CHAMPA ARCHITECTURE, A MARK OF THE ANCIENT KINGDOM IN CENTRAL VIETNAM

Champa architecture is one of the most unique and unique architectures in Southeast Asia, with monumental and sophisticated works such as Cham towers, Cham communal houses, and other works bearing the mark of culture. Ancient Cham. These architectural relics not only have historical and cultural value but are also an endless source of inspiration for future generations of artists and architects.

I. Introduction to Champa architecture

The Champa Kingdom existed from the 2nd to the 18th century, going through many stages of development and ups and downs. The central region of Vietnam from Quang Binh to Ninh Thuan is the main place of this kingdom. Champa architecture was formed and developed from the combination of Hindu culture and local culture. What is special is that Champa architecture not only influenced Vietnamese culture but also had a great impact on other cultures in Southeast Asia.

With its majestic and sophisticated architectural works, the Champa kingdom left a clear mark on the history and culture of Vietnam. Currently, Champa architectural relics are still preserved and have become an attraction for tourists to Central Vietnam.

II. Cham Tower - Symbol of Cham culture

Cham Tower is the most typical symbol of Champa architecture, with soaring and massive towers. Cham towers were built from the late 7th century to the early 17th century, with the main purpose of worshiping Hindu gods. Cham towers are usually square or round, with many floors stacked on top of each other and a pointed top. The outside of the tower is often decorated with elaborate motifs and reliefs, depicting mythical scenes, historical stories, or everyday images.

1. Po Nagar Tower - Nha Trang

Po Nagar Tower is one of the most famous Champa architectural relics in Vietnam, located in the coastal city of Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa province. Built from the mid-10th century to the 13th century, Po Nagar Tower, also known as Ponagar Tower, is considered a worship temple of the god Yan Po Nagar - the goddess of protection of the Cham people.

Po Nagar Tower has a square shape, with floors stacked on top of each other and a pointed top. The outside of the tower is decorated with elaborate motifs and reliefs, depicting mythical scenes and historical stories of the Cham people. The special feature of Po Nagar Tower is the curved roof made of stone, creating a unique and characteristic feature of Cham architecture.

2. My Son Sanctuary - Quang Nam

My Son Sanctuary is one of the largest Champa architectural relics and was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1999. Located in Duy Phuoc commune, Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province, My Son tower has the shape round with a diameter of about 20m and a height of about 20m. Built from the 4th to the 13th century, My Son Tower is a place of worship for the Cham people and the religious and political center of the Champa kingdom.

Inside My Son Tower, there are altars, statues, and other offerings, showing honor and worship of Hindu gods. The tower floors are built of limestone and bricks, stacked on top of each other in a wheel-stack style. The outside of the tower is decorated with elaborate motifs and reliefs, depicting mythical scenes and historical stories of the Cham people.

III. Cham Communal House - A place to worship and honor Hindu gods

Cham communal house is a type of religious architecture of the Cham people, often built to worship Hindu gods. Cham communal houses are usually rectangular, with curved roofs and many supporting pillars. The inside of the communal house is often decorated with altars, statues of gods, and other offerings. Cham communal house is a place for community activities of the Cham people, where festivals, rituals, and other cultural activities take place.

Thap Cham Communal House - Phan Rang

Thap Cham Communal House is one of the most famous Cham communal houses in Vietnam, located in Phan Rang City, Ninh Thuan province. Built from the late 7th century to the early 17th century, the Thap Cham communal house is a place of worship for the Cham people and the religious and political center of the Champa kingdom.

Thap Cham communal house is rectangular, with a curved roof and supporting pillars made of limestone. Inside the communal house, there are altars, statues, and other offerings, showing honor and worship of Hindu gods. Thap Cham Communal House is also the place where festivals and rituals of the Cham people take place.

IV. Architectural style and decorative details

Champa architecture has a very specific and distinct style, combining Hindu culture and local culture. Cham architectural works are often built of limestone and bricks, with elaborate and massive carvings. Besides, decorative motifs and reliefs on the works are also important highlights, showing the sophistication and talent of the Cham people.

Motifs and reliefs on Cham architectural works often depict mythological scenes, historical stories, and everyday images of the Cham people. This shows the combination of religion and life of the Cham people in their architecture.

V. Museum of Cham Sculpture - A place to display precious works

The Cham Sculpture Museum is a place to display precious Cham sculptures, serving the purpose of research and introduction to Cham culture. Currently, there are two largest Cham sculpture museums in Vietnam: My Son Museum in Quang Nam and Cham Museum in Nha Trang.

My Son Museum was built in the My Son relic area, displaying more than 300 Cham sculptures from the 7th to 13th centuries. The Cham Museum in Nha Trang also has a diverse collection of Cham sculptures from many different regions.

BECAUSE. The development and quintessence of Cham culture through architecture

Champa architecture is an indispensable part of the development and quintessence of Cham culture. From the initial simple works, Cham architecture gradually developed and became the unique and beautiful architectural works like today.

The combination of Hindu culture and local culture has created unique and characteristic architectural works for the Cham people. Cham architecture is also a testament to the development and influence of Hindu culture on the land of Vietnam.

VII. The influence and legacy of Champa architecture on Vietnamese culture

Champa architecture has left many influences and valuable legacies on Vietnamese culture. Cham architectural works are considered symbols of Cham culture and are an indispensable part of the country's history and culture.

In addition, Cham architecture also influenced other arts such as sculpture, carving, and decoration. Motifs and reliefs in Cham architectural works have been used in many different fields, creating diversity and richness in Vietnamese culture.

VIII. Fine cuisine and tourism value of Champa architecture

Champa architecture not only has cultural and historical value but also makes an important contribution to the development of Vietnam's tourism industry. Beautiful and unique Cham architectural works attract many tourists to visit and explore.

In addition, Cham architecture is also an important factor in introducing and promoting Vietnamese culture to the world. The special features of Champa architecture have created a special highlight for Vietnamese tourism and contributed significantly to the development of the tourism industry.

IX. The importance of preserving and developing Champa architectural heritage

Preserving and developing Cham architectural heritage is extremely important to preserve and promote the value of Cham culture. Cham architectural works are gradually worn out and damaged due to time and environmental impacts and need to be preserved and restored to pass on to future generations.

In addition, the development of Cham architectural heritage also plays an important role in enhancing tourism activities and contributing to local economic and social development. The preservation and development of Champa architectural heritage is the responsibility of the government and the community and needs to be done sustainably and strategically to ensure the survival and development of this heritage in the future.

Champa architecture is an indispensable part of Vietnam's history and culture. The unique and beautiful architectural works of the Cham people have left many influences and valuable legacies on Vietnamese culture. Preserving and developing Cham architectural heritage is extremely important to preserve and promote the value of Cham culture and contribute to the development of the country.