Echoes of Time: Inscriptions of Siam

April 11, 2024
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“The Manuscript of U Rang Kha Thard” is Buddhist literature written in the Isaan script, beginning with legendary tales of ancient towns along the Mekong River.//Photo: Fine Arts Department

Step into the Bangkok National Museum and take a journey through the ages with the captivating “Precious Siam Inscriptions and Documents” exhibition.

The Bangkok National Museum beckons travellers and history enthusiasts alike with its latest offering. A mesmerizing collection of historic inscriptions spanning various epochs, from nineteenth-century stone stelae to traditional palm-leaf manuscripts and early printed documents in Thailand, the new exhibition promises an immersive exploration of the nation’s rich heritage.

As visitors enter the exhibition hall, they are transported back in time by the Siamese Chronicles section, serving as a gateway to bygone eras.

The Luang Prasoet Chronicle of Ayutthaya (1681 CE) was written on a traditional palm-leaf folding book with orpiment ink.//Photo: Fine Arts Department

Featuring ancient documents and timeless literature recorded on stone inscriptions, Thai manuscripts, and palm-leaf manuscripts, this section offers profound insights into Thailand’s historical landscape from the Sukhothai period to the pre-reformation era under the reign of King Rama IV.

“The Ancient Folklore” (Nithan Boran Khadee) by Prince Damrong Rajanubhab was reprinted as a tribute to the prince’s funeral in 1944.//Photo: Fine Arts Department

Transitioning seamlessly from antiquity to spirituality, visitors are invited to delve into the “Traibhumikatha” and the “Nanthopananthasut Kham Luang” inscriptions. Here, the earliest Thai cosmological concepts and Buddhist teachings come to life through exquisite verses and religious works, providing a deeper understanding of Thailand’s cultural and spiritual legacy.

A palm-leaf manuscript, distinguished by its unique style of writing and language, provides a window into the diverse literary and artistic traditions of Thai history.//Photo: Fine Arts Department

Continuing the journey, visitors encounter the “Map of the Land” showcase, offering not only historical insights into geographical knowledge but also artistic and aesthetic appreciation.

A historic map offers insights into Thailand’s past perceptions of geography, politics, and culture.//Photo: Fine Arts Department

With intricate illustrations, elaborate decorations, and vibrant colours, these maps reveal how people perceived and understood the kingdom and its surroundings through the skillful craftsmanship of the cartographers.

Some maps of Siam were even crafted by intrepid explorers and adventurers, adding an element of adventure and discovery to the exhibition.

For those intrigued by Thailand’s legal history, the Legal Chronicles section presents fascinating tales of punishment, criminology, free trade, and freedom through historic legal documents and international relations.

From the Three-Seal Law to the Bowring Treaty, visitors gain valuable insights into the evolution of legal systems, laws, and jurisprudence, culminating in the landmark Slavery Abolition Act of 1905, a significant milestone in Thai human rights development.

Transitioning from legal discourse to technological progress, “When Printing Emerged” showcases the shift from traditional recording methods to Western-style print technology. Featuring letter books, the Bangkok Recorder, and treatises on various subjects, this section illustrates the changing landscape of communication and knowledge dissemination in Thai society.

Continuing the voyage through time and space, “The Blueprint of City Creation: Tales of Architectural Mastery” unveils design and construction plans for iconic landmarks like Phya Thai Palace and the Victory Monument, reflecting Western architectural influence and Thailand’s pursuit of modernization.

A draft of Phya Thai Palace’s interior design showcases intricate illustrations and elaborate decorations from the early twentieth-century Thailand.//Photo: Fine Arts Department

Lastly, “With Beautiful Memories and Thoughtful Reflections” evokes nostalgia with cherished memorabilia, showcasing how Western culture has shaped everyday life in Thai society. Through letters, postcards, and personal artefacts, visitors gain a deeper appreciation of the fusion of tradition and modernity in Thai culture.

In essence, the “Precious Siam Inscriptions and Documents” exhibition at the Bangkok National Museum offers a captivating odyssey through Thailand’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and legal heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller, a history aficionado, or simply curious about Thai society, this exhibition promises an unforgettable voyage into the heart of Thailand’s past and present.

VISITING THE EXHIBITION

The Bangkok National Museum is situated in the historic district of Bangkok, near the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. It can be reached by taxi, public bus, Chao Phraya Express boat, tuk-tuk, or the MRT Blue Line. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 4pm.

By Thai PBS World Feature Desk