On the Trail of King Taksin’s Samutphāp Traiphūm (The Siam Society)

The article “On the Trail of King Taksin’s Samutphāp Traiphūm” by Barend Jan Terwiel explores the mystery surrounding several manuscripts depicting Buddhist cosmology, which were allegedly commissioned by King Taksin of Thailand in 1776. The study focuses on the authenticity and origins of three surviving manuscripts located in Bangkok, Berlin, and an unidentified copy, as well as a possible fourth manuscript mentioned by Prince Damrong in 1930. Through detailed comparisons of the manuscripts’ artistic styles, orthography, and historical records, the author concludes that the Berlin manuscript is likely the original or closest to it, while the other manuscripts might be later copies or incomplete versions. The article highlights the complexities of manuscript production, reproduction, and preservation in the context of 18th-century Thai culture and the scholarly efforts to trace these historical artifacts’ origins and journeys.

This article offers a glimpse into Thailand’s rich literary heritage and its vibrant manuscript culture, which has been shaped by centuries of religious, artistic, and scholarly endeavors. The intricate details of the Samutphāp Traiphūm manuscripts, with their elaborate illustrations and careful craftsmanship, reveal a deep respect for knowledge and a profound engagement with Buddhist cosmology. The story of these manuscripts—how they were created, preserved, and contested—underscores the importance of Thailand’s manuscript tradition as a repository of cultural and intellectual history. The Thailand Foundation invites readers to delve into this fascinating narrative, to appreciate the artistry and dedication that define Thailand’s literary and manuscript culture, and to explore the deeper meanings embedded within these ancient texts.