THE INFLUENCE. OF HINDU BRAHMANISM IN THE EARLY RATANAKOSIN PERIOD

Abstract

Most Royal Brahmins in the Early Ratanakosin period came from Nakhonsithammarat in Southern Thailand. We have found traces of the arrival of Brahmainism from Tamil Nadu in Southern India as the cradle of civilization in Southeast Asia. During in the reign of Rama I, the king contributed art, literature, and culture. Some traditions, like the Ploughing Ceremony, have been preserved. However, other traditions such as the Swing Ceremony were rejected. Also discussed were many cases of Thai sculptures, like the pair of Shivalinga at Bodbrahm in Bangkok, that are not found in Northern India. The researchers analyzed Thai paintings from Tamrapab Thevarup (the Painting Book of God Image) that were influenced by Vichaya Nagara as the age of contribution to Hindu Brahmanism is Southern India. In Thai literature such as Ramakirati, some parts were copied from Kambar's Ramayana, Narai Avatara (The incarnations of Lord Vishnu) that become the origin of Tamrapab Thevatup (The painting Book of God Images).        We have noticed that Indian cultures were adopted by Thai people, evolving into their own styles, as both Brahmanism and Buddhism have been performed together in royal ceremonies.