The Settings of Royal Crematoriums in Early Rattanakosin Literary Works:Reflections on the Royal Funerals prior to the Reign of King Vajiravudh

Abstract

Literary works in the early Rattanakosin period include the realistic depictions of royal funerals as well as the royal crematoriums of dominant fictional characters, all of which were expressed through the author's perspective and experience as influenced by contemporary society. This article considers the settings of royal crematoriums in traditional fiction, historical and heroic literature. The study suggests that early Rattanakosin literary works include complete descriptions of the procedures related to royal funerals and crematoriums, ranging from preparatory work to the construction of the crematoriums which required demanding necessary materials from major cities and recruiting commoners as labourers. In addition, the study also reveals the final architectural style, dating back to the Ayutthaya period showing the state funeral processions which depicted mythical animals, special chariots, the placement of royal urns onto Benja pedestals in the royal crematoriums and details of traditional celebratory art performances during the cremation. Often, these literary works described the people, including foreigners, who attended the performances in great detail. Also, certain works mention how royal relics and ashes were returned to the palace after the rituals had been completed. Water burials, a convention during the Ayutthaya period and the early Rattanakosin period, exist in some works. These literary works are, therefore, evidence of great importance which depicted the atmosphere of royal funerals in the past, representing the procedures and elements of the royal rituals prior to the reign of King Vajiravudh when some conventions were terminated such as the placement of royal urns onto Benja pedestals in the middle of the royal crematoriums and the traditional celebratory art performances.