[1]: 73 [2]: 358, 361–367 The king claimed links to the royal line of the Chenla state that had its capital at Bhavapura (the city's location is debated) and predates the start of the Khmer empire in 802 AD.
An inscription at Pre Rup relates that Rajendravarman II was a great warrior, his sword frequently blood-stained, his body as hard as a diamond.
Many scholars believe that Rajendravarman II instituted a system of centralized administration, establishing more direct control over a collection of princes who had been largely independent at their estates in the provinces.
[3]: 116 Construction at Banteay Srei, the ornate temple of pink sandstone located north of the main Angkor complex, began during the king's reign.
Rajendravarman II led fighting against the rival state of Champa in the east, and in 946 AD seized as booty a gold statue in the temple of Po Nagar there.