Dvaravati, ancient city of Nakhon Pathom: Social studies and interpretations

Abstract

This article examined the Dvaravati Kingdom from historical, social and religious perspectives. Suvarnabhumi was a historically real land. Phra Uttara, who came with Phra Sona, became Luang Pu Thep Lok Udon and continued to exist in their physical form to care for Buddhism in Suvarnabhumi, up to the present day. The Dvaravati Kingdom existed around the 12th to 16th Buddhist century, with its center in ancient Nakhon Pathom. There were connections and relationships between various ancient cities and both Buddhism and Brahmanism were practiced.

            The king of Dvaravati followed the policy of Dharma-Vijaya of Emperor Ashoka, adhering to the principles of the Buddhist emperor while also integrating the imperial ideals of Brahmanism. He implemented economic governance without taxation, which led to a prosperous, stable, and abundant society, with Dharma-Vijaya as the central tenet of his rule.

            The society in Dvaravati, as reflected in the stucco images and inscriptions, showcased a multicultural community where people can coexist harmoniously. It was a society centered around making merit and good deeds in Buddhism, which incorporated a blend of beliefs between Buddhism and traditional beliefs about "spirits." It is a society characterized by gratitude and compassion, as well as one that emphasized the practice of generosity, focusing on “great donations”, which referred to significant acts of giving. Furthermore, It was a society whose goal of practice was to completely end all suffering and defilements.