HEROES OF CHAMPA HISTORY

Author: PhD. Putra Podam

Since Champa was gradually erased from the regional political map, marked by painful historical milestones such as Panduranga in 1692, Thuan Thanh Province in 1832, and Nam Ban in 1954, the Champa people have entered a long and arduous period of survival. However, the loss of territory did not mean submission. On the contrary, throughout the centuries that followed, the spirit of independence, the will for self-determination, and the aspiration to restore Champa continued to rise through successive uprisings and resistance movements.

From the nineteenth century to the first two decades of the twenty-first century, Champa history witnessed the emergence of prominent heroic figures shaped by their times, such as Les Kosem, Y Bham Enuol, Po Dharma, and others. Although each operated in different contexts and through different forms ranging from armed resistance and political organization to scholarship, diplomacy, and cultural revival they all shared a common foundation: a profound love for their homeland, an unyielding spirit of commitment, and a firm determination to defend the dignity, right to exist, and cultural identity of the Champa people.

These individuals entered history not only through weapons or political struggle, but also through intellect, learning, and steadfast dedication to preserving the cultural heritage, language, and writing system of their ancestors. For this reason, they are honored by the Champa community as national heroes living symbols of independence and the enduring aspiration for freedom.

The poem “Heroes of Champa History” is written as a historical epic, retracing the journey from the era of an independent Champa, through the brutal upheavals of southward expansion, westward incursions, and colonial domination, to modern resistance movements and the ongoing effort of cultural restoration. Through this work, the poem affirms a lasting truth: the history of Champa has not ended in the past, but continues to be illuminated and carried forward by the Champa community today and in generations to come.

HEROES OF CHAMPA HISTORY

Author: Dr. Putra Podam

Champa stood independent in the second century.
Its territory stretched from O Ly, Do Ban, to Dong Nai.

Jarai, Rhade, Haroi, Cham, Churu, Raglai.
Sharing the same ancestry, standing shoulder to shoulder, united in heart.

Together bearing the burden of the homeland.
Together preserving ancestral heritage through generations.

Ominous signs of southward expansion loomed.
Borders were invaded, Champa’s lands were submerged.

Che Bong Nga’s fame thundered with might.
Marching north to fight the Tran, capturing Thang Long.

Po Romé also rendered great service.
Reviving the Srah script, successful for all time.

Ethnicity and religion stood divided.
Po Romé resolved it, enlightening Ahier and Awal.

Lord Phuc Nguyen sought ways to invade.
Princess Ngoc Khoa forged a marital alliance.

Then Minh Menh rose to prominence.
An autocrat of ruthless schemes, nicknamed the Son of Heaven.

Villages were burned, the Cham people slaughtered.
Three severed heads earned three coins.

The chronicles record it clearly.
Minh Menh killed indiscriminately, sparing no one.

In the name of Katip Sumat’s talent.
Jihad resistance reached the imperial court.
Minh Menh then destroyed Phan Rang.
Ja Thak Wa deployed his forces, crushing the enemy.

Minh Menh then lured Cham officials.
Summoned and massacred Lord Phaok The’s family.
Champa fell into despair and turmoil.
FULRO’s clandestine struggle began in Les Kosem’s time.

Kampuchea Krom – Kampuchea Nord – Champa.
Three fronts established, raising three flags together.

Y Bham seized the opportunity.
Applying political pressure on the Republic of Vietnam.

History then brought forth Po Dharma.
Great contributions earned him renown and distinction.

He went abroad to study once more.
Earned a doctorate, opening the path of diplomacy.

Connecting Cham, French, and Malay worlds.
Awakening the historical soul within the people.

He brought history back to civilization.
Language and script were stabilized, unchanged.

Today the echo of history still remains.
Po Dharma illuminates the days of future generations.

In the name of descendants and community.
A historical figure inscribed for all time.