SOAS Research Online

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the sources of those Hindu myths which have been adapted and then interpolated into Thai literature so as to become an integral part of it. All categories of Thai literary texts which contain any Hindu myth, dating from the Sukhothai period up to the time of King Rama VI of the Ratanakosin, have been taken into account, but special reference is made to the Narai Sip Pang, a Thai work attempting to deal authoritatively with many divinities shared with the Hindu pantheon. The thesis commences with an introduction. This is followed by seven chapters and the conclusion. The thesis ends with two appendices. The Chapters: Chapter 1 deals with Hindu myths concerning Brahma, the first divinity of the Hindu trimurti. Though he is sometimes misunderstood to be the same as a Buddhist Brahma, he is still regarded by the Thais as the Creator. Chapter 2 is about Siva who, for the Thais, is the supreme as well as the most benevolent god. In Chapter 3 accounts of two sons of Siva - Ganesa and Karttikeya - confused by the Thais to be the same, are analysed. Chapters 4 and 5 consist of myths about Visnu, appearing as the valorous preserver in Thai literature. His eight minor incarnations are discussed here. In Chapter 6 the Krsna incarnation of Visnu and the love-story of Aniruddha, his grandson are investigated. Chapter 7 is concerned with the most celebrated Hindu myth in Thai literature - the myth of the Ramacandra incarnation of Visnu. The conclusion is an attempt to suggest the most influential factors to have made Hindu myths appear in their present form in Thai literature. The appendices: Appendix 1 is the translation of the Royal Press Version of the Narai Sip Pang. Appendix 2 is a concise study of present-day Thai Brahmins who still hold the Narai Sip Pang as one of their sacred texts.