A picture of a strong vibrant society emerges. Much of the labor in Angkor was done by slaves, who were treated as possessions and beaten for offences. Social classes were very distinct and set apart from each other. For example, it was absolutely forbidden for a member of the lower classes to use tiles on the roof of his house, a right reserved for the upper classes.
Chou Ta-Kuan observed the different classes of society promenading in the streets of Angkor Thom. He reiterated that the aristocracy were carried on golden litters and were permitted to have their slaves carry four golden-handled parasols. The next in rank also traveled on a litter, but only carried one golden-handled parasol. This tradition carried down to the lowest ranks in society who walked along the road carrying silver-handled parasols.
The nobility remained rich and powerful, but at the same time became increasingly decadent. [G 15/Hinayanist] Buddhism, however, had already taken root in Kambuja and there was less emphasis on the [G 11 / Devaraja] cult than previously. Chou Ta-Kuan's picture was of a vastly complex society with an opulent upper class still living an extravagant lifestyle. However, soon afterwards this era would draw to a close.
