The People's Edition of Tamra Khotchakam Found in the National Library of Thailand

Abstract

This academic article aims to study the manuscript, content, presentation methods, and values of The People’s Edition of Tamra Khotchakam found in the National Library of Thailand. From a survey of 60 ancient Khotchakam documents, the author observed that one Khotchakam text, namely Tamra Klong Chang, document number 96, bundle 11, exhibits the characteristics of the people’s edition due to the presence of Southern dialect words.

In terms of content, a variety of topics were found, such as chants for exorcising the ghost of the stable, spells to counter witchcraft, rituals for warding off misfortune, incantations for controlling elephant ropes, rituals for building and blessing elephant enclosures, and manuals for diagnosing and curing illnesses of male and female elephants. In terms of presentation techniques, an interesting feature is that each section begins with words such as “Om,” “Sithikariya,” or “Omsithikan,” which express respect for teachers and serve as auspicious invocations. Each section ends with words such as “Lae,” “Jop Thaoni Lae,” or “Therd.” The People’s Edition of Tamra Khotchakam reflects profound values in both language and local wisdom. In terms of language, it employs poetic expressions with rhythmic sound patterns for aesthetic effect and incorporates multiple languages—Pali, Sanskrit, Khmer, and local dialects. In terms of local wisdom, the manuscript embodies diverse bodies of knowledge, including beliefs and rituals related to elephants, traditional medicine, and the management of large animals. This demonstrates that local elephant handlers did not raise elephants merely for livelihood but also developed systematic knowledge and practices in Khotchakam, giving rise to a distinctive body of local wisdom that has been passed down within the community.