Kulaprabhavati facts for kids

Kulaprabhavati was a powerful queen who ruled Funan, an ancient kingdom in Cambodia, from 514 to 517 CE. She was one of the first queens in Cambodian history known to hold complete political power on her own, similar to the legendary Queen Soma.

Kulaprabhavati was married to King Jayavarman Kaundinya of Funan. He was one of the earliest kings in Cambodian history that we know about from historical records. In ancient writings, Kulaprabhavati is called "the great queen" and "the main wife of King Jayavarman."

A Royal Family in Funan

King Jayavarman had several children. One of his sons was named Gunavarman. It is believed that Gunavarman was the son of Queen Kulaprabhavati and King Jayavarman. Another son, Rudravarman, was born to a different mother.

The Succession Challenge

When King Jayavarman passed away in 514 CE, a struggle for the throne began. Rudravarman, the son of a different mother, took control of the kingdom. Ancient Chinese records mention that Rudravarman became king after his younger brother, the son of the main queen, was no longer in the line of succession.

It seems that Queen Kulaprabhavati, as the main wife of the late king, also claimed the throne. She had the support of some important people in the kingdom. This led to a three-year power struggle between Rudravarman and his stepmother, Queen Kulaprabhavati.

Funan's New King

By 517 CE, Rudravarman had become the recognized ruler. He sent representatives to China, and the Chinese emperor officially accepted him as the new king of Funan. Rudravarman mentioned that his claim to the throne had been challenged. This shows that Queen Kulaprabhavati's attempt to rule was a significant event in Funan's history.

The Chinese records might not fully explain Kulaprabhavati's rule because, at that time, Chinese culture did not typically recognize women as rulers before the time of Empress Wu Zetian. This makes Kulaprabhavati's story even more remarkable as a woman who held significant power in ancient Cambodia.