Riemke (Khmer version of the Ramayana)

«Riemke» (the Khmer version of the ancient Indian epic «Ramayana»), despite the borrowed plot, is a unique work and rightfully considered the pinnacle of Khmer poetry, a monument of literature that reflects the religious-aesthetic views and national traditions of Cambodia. The poetic text, presumably dated to the XVI–XVII centuries.

(Part 1) and the XVIII century (Part 2), was intended for traditional Khmer theatrical performances, where verses are recited or sung with the accompaniment of musical instruments. The first complete translation of the monument into Russian, done by the renowned Russian specialist in Khmer studies I.N. Shmeleva, is preceded by an introductory article that introduces the reader to the history of the text and its study, and is accompanied by notes and appendices.

The publication is addressed to specialists — orientalists and philologists, as well as a wide audience interested in the literature and culture of Southeast Asia, and the history of the spread of the ancient Indian epic in these countries.