The Origin of the Word “Varman”

In the history of Cambodia, the names of ancient Khmer kings often ended with the word “Varman.” However, after the Angkor period, this term disappeared from royal names. This led to various misconceptions that “Varman” represented a royal dynasty. Some neighboring countries even distorted the fact, claiming that the “Varman” lineage had vanished and that modern Khmers were descendants of a lower class of Angkor.

To clarify this, we must look into both foreign and Khmer historical records. During the Funan and Chenla periods, the term “Varman” was first used by a famous Khmer general named Fan Shiman in the 3rd century. Chinese historians, who recorded his name, often mispronounced or mistranslated it, leading to the variation “Varman,” which might have originally been “Varam” or “Varamma.”

The Origin of the Word “Varman” — Depiction of the “Varman” inscription from the early Khmer era

Earliest Usage

The earliest known king to officially use the title “Varman” was King Srī Indravarman around 433 CE. He was the first documented monarch of the Chenla period to bear this title. Later, rulers of Champa and Java also adopted “Varman” as part of their royal names to symbolize divine power and royal legitimacy.

Linguistic Origin

Linguistic and epigraphic studies have shown that the term “Varman” originates from Sanskrit in ancient India, where it means “armor” or “protector.” The word entered Cambodia through Brahmanism during the Funan and early Chenla eras. King Srī Indravarman was the first Khmer monarch to use it, followed by many others who used “Varman” to express reverence to the deities they worshipped.

Example: Srī Indravarman = “Indra is the armor (protector) of the king.”
In Sanskrit: “Indra + Varman” → “Indra, the divine protector of the monarch.”

Khmer Pronunciation

It should be noted that ancient Khmer pronunciation was “Varam” (វរម្ម័), not “Varman.” However, French scholars studying Khmer history adopted the Sanskrit transliteration “Varman” to match Indian linguistic roots.

Post-Angkor Period

In conclusion, post-Angkorian kings were still descendants of the same royal lineage. The disappearance of “Varman” in royal names was not due to dynastic change but rather a linguistic and religious shift—from Sanskrit to Pali. Hence, later Khmer monarchs used Pali-based titles such as “Rāja,” “Srirāja,” “Butumrāja,” or “Rāma,” instead of “Varman.”

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