Culture and Literature
| Monarchs of the Chakri Dynasty |
|
|---|---|
| Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (King Rama I) |
|
| Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (King Rama II) |
|
| Jessadabodindra (King Rama III) |
|
| Mongkut (King Rama IV) |
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| Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) |
|
| Vajiravudh (King Rama VI) |
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| Prajadhipok (King Rama VII) |
|
| Ananda Mahidol (King Rama VIII) |
|
| Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX) |
|
It was said that during Rama II's reign, if one could write a refined piece of poetry, then one would be able to become a royal favorite, as Buddha Loetla Nabhalai himself was a poet. The reign was a cultural renaissance after the massive wars that plague the First Reign; particularly in the fields of arts and literature. Poets employed by Rama II included Sunthorn Phu the drunken writer (Phra Aphai Mani) and Narin Dhibet (Nirat Narin). His sons, Prince Jessadabodindra and Prince Poramanuchit, were encouraged to excel in poetry. Prince Poramanuchit later became a Sangharaj (Buddhist hierophant) and was well known for his religious works.
Rama II's reign saw the reconstruction of Siamese culture and royal traditions. In 1811, the Grand Royal Funeral was held for King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke. In the same year, a cholera epidemic broke out in Bangkok. Buddha Loetla Nabhalai ordered the "Apat Pinat" or sickness-repelling ceremonies to be performed. He also established the education and the examination system of Buddhism, by dividing it into nine levels. In 1817, the Vesak festival was restored.
Read more about this topic: Buddha Loetla Nabhalai
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