Singhanavati (Thai: สิงหนวัติ, RTGS: Singhanawat) was a Tai semi-legendary kingdom based along the Kok River in the Chiang Rai Basin in northern Thailand,[1] existed from 691 BCE to 638 CE.[1]: 7 It was centered in Yonok Nahaphan (Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai) and then moved to Vieng Prueksa (Fang District) after the old capital was submerged below Chiang Saen Lake due to an earthquake in 545.[2][3][4]
Singhanavati Kingdom สิงหนวัติ (Thai) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 691 BCE–638 CE | |||||||||
  Yonok Nahaphan Vieng Prueksa Singhanavati (Thailand) Two seats of Singhanavati: Yonok Nahaphan (691 BCE–545 CE) and Vieng Prueksa (545–638 CE) | |||||||||
| Capital |
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| Common languages | Old Thai | ||||||||
| Religion | Buddhism (Theravada and Mahayana) | ||||||||
| Government | Chiefdom | ||||||||
| Historical era | Post-classical era | ||||||||
• Establishment | 691 BCE | ||||||||
• Fall of Yonok | 545 CE | ||||||||
• Foundation of Ngoenyang | 638 CE | ||||||||
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Singhanavati evolved into the Ngoenyang Kingdom in 638, which continued to the formation of Lan Na in 1292.
History
editEarly settlements
editThere is evidence of human habitation in present-day Chiang Saen district in the Neolithic age but no other contemporary evidence to connect them with the pre-historic period and the modern northern settlements.[1]: 13 Few prehistoric artifacts were found to be linked with the ancient Haripuñjaya Kingdom, but further historical and archaeological study had additionally been needed to illustrate.[1]: 14
Before the establishment of Singhanavati, the area was previously occupied by Austroasiatic peoples,[5] especially the Khmu people.[6] The preexisting principal city-state located on the right bank of the Mekong River opposite to the present-day Chiang Saen was believed to be another legendary kingdom, Souvannakhomkham (สุวรรณโคมคำ), which its descendant later moved to Umongasela (อุโมงคเสลา) in the present-day Fang after Souvannakhomkham was submerged into the Mekong River.[5]: 187, 283 [7]
Singhanavati Kingdom: 691 BCE–545 CE
editAccording to the legend of Singhanavati, the city of Yonok Nagaphan was established near the submerged Souvannakhomkham by Prince Singhanavati who immigrant from southern China in 691 BCE, 148 years before the death of Buddha,[1]: 8 which was the transition of the late Bronze Age to the Iron Age.[1]: 9 This migration legend was supported by a bronze drum found in the wetland near Chiang Saen that was probably the submerged Yonok city; the artifacts were also discovered scattered along the river basins from southern China, Mekong valley, and northwestern Vietnam.[1]: 9 However, in the 2009 archaeological excavations performed by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand, no ancient structures dating before 545 CE were found in the area, [1]: 9 which was considered the period when the city was submerged below the Chiang Saen Lake due to an earthquake.[2][3][8] Formerly, most historians suggested that the city of Yonok Nagaphan was probably established in 545 CE and fell around 1107–1109.[2][3][8] This due to the complicated era systems mentioned in the chronicles which comprised three systems: the Boran era (lit. 'Ancient era'; probably the Añjana's Era), the Buddhist Era, and the Shaka era, but the given years in the chronicles were not directly specified.[6] After the chronicle that gave more details than the preexisting was found in the Wat Ban Rong Bong in 2022, it was concluded that the events mentioned in the legend of Singhanavati happened before 638 CE and all historical records related to the legend were then revised.[6]
The Singhanavati Kingdom subjugated the preexisting Umongasela, and other nearby states to extend its territory. However, during the reign of Pangkharat in the mid-4th century, the seat at Yonok was forcibly lost to King Khom from Umongasela. Pangkharat fled to Vieng Si Tuang (เวียงศรีทวง; present-day Wiang Phang Kham, Mae Sai district) but had to send tributes to Yonok annually until his son, Phrom (361–438), took back Yonok in 377 and expelled Khom from Umongasela.[9][10][11] Phrom also led the army went to suppress the King Khom troops as far as the territory of Chakangrao in the south,[9] along with establishing a new town in 396 to be an outpost to prevent enemy invasion in the old Umongasela area and renamed it Chai Prakan.[12] While the throne at the capital Yonok was given to his older brother, Thukkitakuman.[13] His son Chaiyasiri, continued to rule Chai Prakan;[14] however, after the fall of Yonok, Chayasiri, along with many of his subjects, moved south to settle in the present-day Nakhon Thai, Phitsanulok Province. According to Simon de la Loubère, Chaiyasiri, who was speculated to be the Singhanavati lineage, is said to have built the city of Pipeli in Phetchaburi Province,[15] but the dates are not related.
Before the reign of Pangkharat, which is considered its peak, the influenced area reached present-day Yunnan in the north and the upper Chao Phraya River valley in the south, while the east met the Annamite Range and the Salween River in the west.[16]
The fourteen chiefdoms and formation of Ngoenyang: 545–638 CE
editThe last king of the Singhanavati Kingdom was Thukkitakuman. During his reign, Yonok was submerged into the Chiang Saen Lake because of an earthquake in 545.[17] The survivors, led by Khun Lung, went east to settle at Vieng Prueksa and the remaining principalities, which consisted of fourteen chiefdoms, formed the chamber to select new rulers. The chiefdoms lasted for 93 years with the said elective monarchy. After this period, the records mention the development of high land communities at Doi Tung led by Lavachakkaraj,[18] who later became the ruler of Vieng Prueksa in 638. Lavachakkaraj also renamed the city of Vieng Prueksa to Hiran which is considered the beginning of the Ngoenyang Kingdom and continued through the founding of the Lan Na Kingdom at the end of the 13th century.[19]
During this period, in the south of Vieng Prueksa, another principality Haripuñjaya was founded in the Ping River valley in 629 by the legendary Suthep, who has then invited Monic princess, Camadevi, from the southern kingdom of Lavo to rule the city in 662; thus Lavo began expanding its influence in the north.
Singhanavati and the Siamese
editSimon de la Loubère's record refers to the first Siamese king, named Phra Pathom Suriyathep Norathai Suvarna Bophit (Thai: พระปฐมสุริยเทพนรไทยสุวรรณบพิตร, Pra Poat honne sourittep-pennaratui sonanne bopitra). The chief place where he kept his court was called Chai Buri Mahanakhon (Thai: ไชยบุรีมหานคร, Tchai pappe Mahanacon), and his reign began in 757. Ten other kings succeeded him, the last of whom was named Phaya Sunthorathet Mahathepparat (Thai: พญาสุนทรเทศมหาเทพราช, Ipoja sanne Thora Thesma Teperat), removed his royal seat to the city of That Nakhon Luang (Thai: ธาตุนครหลวง, Tasco Nacora Louang; but Diplomatic guide referred to Yasothonpura Nakhon Luang (Thai: ยโศธรปุระนครหลวง, Yassouttora Nacoora Louang[20]: 127 )) which he had built but the location is uncertain.[15]
Later in 1188, the 22nd king after Phaya Sunthorathet, whose name was Phra Phanom Chaiyasiri (Thai: พระพนมไชยศิริ, Pra Poa Noome Thele seri), obliged all his people to follow him to Nakhon Thai (Locontai; but "Diplomatic guide" referred to Sukhothai (Thai: ศุโขทัย, Soucouttae[20]: 127 )). This prince did not always reside at Nakhon Thai, but instead, he built and inhabited the city of Phetburi (Pipeli). Four other kings succeeded him; of which Ramadhiboti (Rhamatilondi), the last of the four, began to build the city of Ayothaya in 1351, and there he established his court. “By which it appears, that they allow to the City of Ayutthaya the Antiquity of 338 years. The King Regent is the twenty-fifth from Ramadhiboti, and this year 1689, is the 56th or 57th year of his age. Thus do they reckon 52 Kings in the space of 934 years, but not all of the same blood lineage.”[15][21][20][22]
Through the Theravada, the relationships between the southern principality, Tambralinga, during the reign of Chandrabhanu (r.1230–1262) and the Siamese leaders in the north of the Kra Isthmus was speculated to have begun after the foundation of Phetburi (Pipeli).[23]: 292 which was expected to be one of the reasons that Srivijaya lost influence over Tambralinga.[23]: 298
Rulers
edit| Name | Reign | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Thai | ||
| Singhanavati | พญาสิงหนติ (เจ้าสิงหนติราชกุมาร) | 691 BCE–? | Beginning of the Singhanavati dynasty |
| Phanthati | พญาพันธติ | The city of Nagabandhu Singhanavati was renamed Yonok Nakhon Chai Buri. | |
| Achutraraj | พญาอชุตราช | ||
| Mangrai Naraj | พญามังรายนราช | ||
| Cheung | พระองค์เชือง | ||
| Chuen | พระองค์ชืน | ||
| Kham | พระองค์คำ | ||
| Peng | พระองค์เพิง | ||
| Chat | พระองค์ชาต | ||
| Wao | พระองค์เวา | ||
| Waen | พระองค์แวน | ||
| Kaew | พระองค์แก้ว | ||
| Ngern | พระองค์เงิน | ||
| Waen II | พระองค์แวนที่ 2 | Unknown | |
| Ngam | พระองค์งาม | Unknown | |
| Lue | พระองค์ลือ | Unknown | |
| Roy | พระองค์รอย | Unknown | |
| Cheng | พระองค์เชิง | Unknown | |
| Pan | พระองค์พัน | Unknown | |
| Pao | พระองค์เพา | Unknown | |
| Ping | พระองค์พิง | Unknown | |
| Si | พระองค์สี | Unknown | |
| Som | พระองค์สม | Unknown | |
| Suan | พระองค์สวน | Unknown | |
| Paeng | พระองค์แพง | Unknown | |
| Puan | พระองค์พวน | Unknown | |
| Chan | พระองค์จัน | Unknown | |
| Fu | พระองค์ฟู | Unknown | |
| Fan | พระองค์ฝัน | Unknown | |
| Wan | พระองค์วัน | Unknown | |
| Mang Sing | พระองค์มังสิง | Unknown | |
| Mang Saen | พระองค์มังแสน | Unknown | |
| Mang Som | พระองค์มังสม | Unknown | |
| Thip | พระองค์ทิพ | Unknown | |
| Kong | พระองค์กอง | Unknown | |
| Kom | พระองค์กม | Unknown | |
| Chay | พระองค์ชาย | Unknown | |
| Chuen II | พระองค์ชื่น | Unknown | |
| Chom | พระองค์ชม | Unknown | |
| Pang | พระองค์พัง | Unknown | |
| Ping II | พระองค์พิงที่ 2 | Unknown | |
| Peang | พระองค์เพียง | Unknown | |
| Pangkharaj | พระเจ้าพังคราช | 349[a]-? | |
| Dhukkhita | พระเจ้าทุกขิตะ | ?–545 | The capital was submerged and the seat was relocated to Vieng Prueksa |
| The rulers during the fourteen chiefdoms era (545–638) are unknown | |||
| Phrom | พระเจ้าพรหมมหาราช | — |
|
| Chaiyasiri | พระเจ้าชัยศิริ | — |
Son of Phrom, was also crowned as the ruler of Wiang Chai Prakan after his father death. |
- ^ Previously said to be crowned in 911, but was changed after the revision of Singhanavati legend in the 2020s
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h "Wiang Nong Lom Cultural Heritage" (PDF). Fine Arts Department of Thailand. 2023. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 January 2024. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ a b c "เมืองโยนก นครในตำนานล้านนา" (in Thai). Fine Arts Department of Thailand. 2022. Archived from the original on 18 January 2024. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
- ^ a b c ""รอยเลื่อนแม่จัน" กับ "โยนกเชียงแสน" ตำนานที่อาจมีอายุมากกว่า 1,800 ปี" (in Thai). Manager Daily. 24 April 2020. Archived from the original on 18 January 2024.
- ^ Wood, Spencer H.; Wood, Layle R.; Ziegler, Alan D. (2 November 2015). "Natural degradation of earthworks, trenches, walls and moats, Northern Thailand". Journal of Field Archaeology. 40 (6): 675–694. doi:10.1080/00934690.2015.1103645. ISSN 0093-4690. S2CID 32414373.
- ^ a b Chayphet Sayarath (23 September 2014). "Dispositifs spatiaux et évolution des villes lao, persistence des pratiques et permanence des formes: la place du centre historique et de l'habitat ancien dans la recomposition de la ville contemporaine" (PDF) (in French). Paris-Est Sup University Group. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 January 2024. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
- ^ a b c พิเศษ เจียจันทร์พงษ์ (28 January 2022). "พระเจ้าพรหมมหาราช ในตำนานล้านนา นัยสำคัญของกษัตริย์สืบสายทางธรรม VS สายเลือด". www.silpa-mag.com (in Thai). Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
- ^ โรม บุนนาค (9 May 2022). "อาณาจักรโบราณที่สาบสูญก่อนมีประเทศไทย! "สุวรรณโคมคำ" กำเนิดจากแม่ลูกถูกลอยแพ!!" (in Thai). Manager Daily. Archived from the original on 19 January 2024.
- ^ a b Wood, Spencer H.; Wood, Layle R.; Ziegler, Alan D. (2 November 2015). "Natural degradation of earthworks, trenches, walls and moats, Northern Thailand". Journal of Field Archaeology. 40 (6): 675–694. doi:10.1080/00934690.2015.1103645. ISSN 0093-4690. S2CID 32414373.
- ^ a b สงบ สุริยินทร์ (30 December 2022). "เมืองลพบุรีเป็นของไทยเมื่อใด?". www.silpa-mag.com (in Thai). Archived from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
- ^ โรม บุนนาค (7 April 2023). "๒ มหาราชของคนไทยก่อนเกิดประเทศไทย! ๒ เมืองหลวงเป็นอำเภอและจังหวัดในปัจจุบัน!!" (in Thai). Manager Daily. Archived from the original on 19 January 2024. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
- ^ "ประวัติของจังหวัดเชียงราย" [History of Chiang Rai Province] (in Thai). Chiang Rai Provincial Administrative Organization. 2024. Archived from the original on 21 January 2024. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ "ประวัติเมืองเก่าไชยปราการ" (in Thai). Chai Prakan Municipality. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
Note: Years mentioned in the source was revised following the revision of the Singhanavati legend in 2022.
- ^ Pralongchoeng, Kilen (29 January 2019). "ช้างพระเจ้าพรหม" [King Phrom's elephant]. Thai Rath (in Thai). Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
Note: Years mentioned in the source was revised following the revision of the Singhanavati legend in 2022.
- ^ a b Rak-Yom (23 July 2017). ""พระฝาง" ไชยปราการ ศรัทธายิ่งยุคพระเจ้าพรหมมหาราช" ["Fang Buddha" of Chai Prakan, great faith in the era of King Phrom the Great]. Thai Rath (in Thai). Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
- ^ a b c de La Loubère, Simon (1693). "CHAP. III. Concerning the History and Origine of the Siameses.". A New Historical Relation of the Kingdom of Siam. Translated by A.P. Archived from the original on 5 April 2023.
- ^ "ตำนานสิงหนวัติ" (in Thai). Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning of Thailand. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
- ^ The chronicle of Yonok-nagabundhu
- ^ The chronicle of Hiranyanagorn-ngernyang
- ^ The chronicle of Chiang Mai
- ^ a b c Smithies, Michael; Na Pombejra, Dhiravat (2002). "Instructions Given to the Siamese Envoys Sent to Portugal, 1684" (PDF). Journal of the Siam Society. 90. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
- ^ Thanothai Sukthit (26 September 2020). "พงศาวดารกรุงศรีอยุธยา ส่งถวายพระเจ้าหลุยส์ที่ 14 อยู่ที่ไหน?". Art & Culture (in Thai). Retrieved 22 March 2021.
- ^ de La Loubère, Simon (1967). "บทที่สาม: ว่าด้วยประวัติศาสตร์และต้นกำเนิดของชนชาวสยาม". จดหมายเหตุ ลา ลูแบร์ ราชอาณาจักรสยาม. Translated by Santa T. Komolabutra. pp. 41–42.
- ^ a b Lawrence Palmer Briggs (1950). "The Khmer Empire and the Malay Peninsula". The Far Eastern Quarterly. 9 (3). Duke University Press: 256–305. doi:10.2307/2049556. JSTOR 2049556. Archived from the original on 26 April 2024.
- ^ Jiajanpong, Pises (23 April 2021). "พระเจ้าพรหมมหาราช ในตำนานล้านนา นัยความสำคัญของกษัตริย์สืบสายทางธรรม VS สายเลือด" [King Phrom in Lanna legend, significance of the king's dharma lineage VS bloodline]. Art & Culture (in Thai). Retrieved 11 September 2021.
- ^ Pralongchoeng, Kilen (18 January 2018). "พระเจ้าพรหม" [King Phrom]. Thairath (in Thai). Retrieved 11 September 2021.