|
Ten Things to Know about the Kingdom of Ayutthaya |
Ten Things to Know about the Kingdom of Ayutthaya
1. Its monarchs and ruling duration
During its 417 years (1350-1767), the kingdom of Ayutthaya had 34 monarchs from five dynasties (U-thong, Suphannaphume, Sukhothai, Prasart Thong, and Ban Plu Luang). The longest reign was of King Borom- Trai Lokanart. The shortest reign was of Prince Chai, for only 3-4 days.
2. Its full name
Ayutthaya’s full name was “Krungthep Maha-Nakorn Boworn Tawaravati Sri Ayutthaya Maha Dilokphop Nopparat Ratcha-Thani Burirom.” The name was also used in the Ratanakosin Period.
3. Before Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya was established on the site of an old city. It was the hub of waterway transportation, which could later be developed into a capital city.
4. Independent City State
In the early Ayutthaya Period, Thailand was divided into several scattering independent states, such as Sukhothai, Lanna (Chiang Mai), Nakorn SriThammarat, and Ayutthaya.
5. Unification
Ayutthaya as the power hub in the Central and Lower Northern Regions was predominant in the reign of King Borom-trai Lokanart (the 8th king) after the annexation of Sukhothai.
6. Sources of Prosperity
Ayutthaya’s main source of prosperity was derived from its strategically located trading station in Southeast Asia where ships from the West and the East met to trade. Trading rights then belonged solely to the Royal Court.
7. Wars with Neighbors
The first Thai-Burmese war broke about 180 years after the establishment. 24 wars followed. The Siamese were defeated twice. They occasionally fought with the Lanna and Cambodians as well.
8. Siamese Feudalism
The influential feudalistic system was functional from the reign of Kings Borom-trai Lokanart to Rama V. Nobles were then determined by the quantity of ‘paddy fields’ royally bestowed upon them. This also governed all aspects of their lives.
9. Local Currency
Ayutthaya economy was self-contained though monetary currency was in use especially in cities. This included the use of various shells brought in by foreign traders. Metal pieces produced by local authorities were higher in value.
10. Defeats
The first Burmese conquer of Ayutthaya in 1569 lasted for 15 years until King Naresuan’s 1584 Declaration of Independence. The kingdom flourished for about 200 years until its 1767fall to the Burmese. This lasted for 7 months until King Tak Sin drove the invaders away and established the new capital at Thonburi.
|
