The roles of females during the Angkor period extended beyond domestic spheres, influencing the socio-cultural and intellectual landscape of the Khmer empire. While historical records directly detailing their individual contributions are limited, inferences drawn from inscriptions, art, and societal structures suggest a significant, albeit often indirect, impact on the preservation and transmission of knowledge and cultural practices. Their participation, though potentially less visible than that of elite men, was intrinsic to the functioning of the society.
The significance of female patronage in religious endowments and temple maintenance cannot be overstated. This support not only sustained the physical infrastructure of learning and worship but also fostered an environment conducive to artistic and scholarly pursuits. Furthermore, the transmission of oral traditions, crucial for preserving cultural heritage and values, heavily relied on the women. Royal consorts wielded influence, potentially shaping courtly arts and customs. Consequently, females were actively involved in the propagation and preservation of crucial aspects of Angkorian identity.
