Bhavavarman I.

Bhavavarman I (r. 550, † 600 in Bhavaborah, Cambodia ) was, until his death King of the Kingdom of Chenla in Cambodia. Later, from this realm was the powerful Khmer kingdom, the united large parts of Southeast Asia.

Queen Kambuja - raja - lakshmi married Bhavavarman I, who thus secured his claim to the throne. However, the groom was probably a grandson of the king of Funan, a more powerful neighbors of Chenla.

Bhavavarman I was able to extend the sphere of influence Chenlas in the valley of the Mekong, where he attacked both Funan and the old Vietnamese kingdom of Champa. The reason for these struggles is not clear. It is believed that Bhavavarman wanted to rebel against the takeover of power in Funan by Rudravarman who had assassinated the rightful heir to the throne. Either Bhavavarman wanted the throne for himself, or at least the resignation Rudravarmans in favor of the rightful Thronerbens.

Bhavavarman I. was succeeded by his brother Chitrasena, who took the throne name Mahendravarman. Chinese sources indicate that he has contributed more than his brother to exacerbate the conflict. The sources also report that in the beginning of the 7th century Funan was ruled by a new king, a " wicked " king who not adhered to Buddhism. Both Bhavavarman I and his brother might fit on this labeling since they followed the traditional Shivaite faith.