Nền nông nghiệp Champa trong lịch sử (1): Bằng chứng qua các nguồn tư liệu

Tóm tắt

The study of Champa's agriculture, a subject that has received limited attention in the historical discourse of the Champa kingdom, offers profound insights into the adaptability and ingenuity of Champa’s inhabitants in navigating the harsh natural conditions of central Vietnam. Although Champa is best known for its flourishing maritime trade, agriculture served as a fundamental pillar, ensuring food security and forming the basis for the kingdom's economic, social, cultural, and religious development. Confronted with natural challenges such as narrow plains, poor soil fertility, arid climates, and frequent storms, the Champa people devised innovative agricultural techniques, including the cultivation of drought-resistant, short-cycle rice varieties and the construction of water management systems such as canals and reservoirs. Champa rice varieties not only sustained the kingdom’s food supply but also had a significant influence across East Asia, being imported by the Song Dynasty to address drought conditions and subsequently spreading to Japan. In addition to rice, the cultivation of crops such as areca, coconut, beans, and sesame highlights the biodiversity and resourcefulness of the Champa people in harnessing natural resources. Drawing on archaeological evidence, inscriptions, and ancient texts, this study reconstructs the pivotal role of agriculture in Champa’s socio-economic framework and provides valuable lessons on resilience and environmental adaptation. The synergy between agriculture and maritime trade was a cornerstone of the Champa kingdom’s enduring strength throughout its history