THAI LITERATURE

body of writings of the Thai (Siamese) people, historically fostered by the kings, who themselves often produced outstanding literary works. The earliest literature, that of the Sukhothai period (13th to mid-14th century), survives chiefly in inscriptions, which provide vivid accounts of contemporary life. The golden age of Thai literature occurred from 1351 to 1767 (particularly from the mid-15th century), when Ayutthaya (Ayudhya) was the capital. Outstanding writing of the period includes an abundance of poetry, dance-dramas, and prose narratives influenced by Hindu sources. Great Existence, later rewritten as the Royal Version of Mahajati (a poem exalting the virtue of charity), Phra Lo (a tragic romance), and Defeat of the Yuan (a history) are three influential works of the Ayutthayan period. The court of Narai (reigned 165688) included most of the Thai writers of the time, and the epic romance (concerning the lives of Thai heroes) flourished. Much literature was lost in the sack of Ayutthaya by Myanmar (Burma) in 1767. After the restoration of Thai sovereignty, and with the capital established at Bangkok, many law codes, religious works, and literary texts were rewritten. From about 1850, Western influences came to bear on Thai literature. Prose replaced poetry as the dominant form of literature, and fiction developed rapidly.