Bangkok, January 22, 2024, Monday

The Thai version of the Ramayana dates back to the Ayutthaya Empire, known as the Ramakian. Thus, the influence of Rama's life on Thai culture can be seen. Clay was also brought from Ayutthaya for the historic Rama temple in Ayodhya, which further strengthens the connection between Ayutthaya and Ayodhya. The combination of Khmer and Burmese architecture is famous but some researchers believe that this is also related to Ayodhya. The ancient city of Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 by King Ramathibodi I. was the second capital of the Siamese Empire. It flourished from 14th to 18th century.

For four centuries Ayutthaya was a mighty metropolis and center of trade. Ayutthaya was strategically located on an island surrounded by three rivers connecting the city to the sea. Strategically situated on an island surrounded by three rivers connecting the city to the sea. The place was well suited for global role and trade. In 1767 CE, the city was attacked by the Burmese army. Ayutthaya suffered heavy losses in the attack. Houses were set ablaze with flames. Many residents left the city and moved elsewhere.

The city of Ayutthaya was not rebuilt after that. The total area known as World Heritage is spread over 289 hectares. Once a center of trade and commerce, Ayutthaya has turned into an archaeological ruin. Remains of tall monuments and Buddhist monasteries are found.

The architecture of the city gives a glimpse of its glorious past. The city was ideally equidistant between India and China so that it could be protected from Arab and European powers. Contemporary sources and maps reveal that Ayutthaya was a well-planned city with excellent roads and drainage canals. There was a hydraulic system for water management which was technologically very advanced and unique in the world.

Not only do Ayutthaya and Ayodhya sound alike, some scholars also believe that the two cities have a cultural and religious connection. Some historians have researched historical legends to find out the relationship between Ayodhya and Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya seems to have a beautiful blend of Theravada, Bauddharma and Hindu Brahmanical tradition that establishes a connection between Hinduism and the Ramayana. The first ruler of Ayutthaya, King Ramathibodi, named the city Ayutthaya to reflect the influence of the Ramayana on the region.

Later kings including the Chakri dynasty adopted the name Rama so that the relationship with Lord Rama became stronger. What makes Ayutthaya most attractive is the Ramkien. The Ramayana was introduced to South East Asia by Buddhist missionaries. Its Thai version of the Ramayana dates back to the Ayutthaya Empire, known as the Ramakian. Thus, the influence of Rama's life on Thai culture can be seen. Clay was also brought from Ayutthaya for the historic Rama temple in Ayodhya, which further strengthens the connection between Ayutthaya and Ayodhya.