Haripuñjaya

Haripuñjaya, a Mon kingdom that flourished in what is now Northern Thailand, has left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. Existing from the 7th or 8th century to the 13th century CE, this ancient realm played a crucial role in shaping the cultural and political landscape of Thailand. The kingdom’s capital, also known as Haripuñjaya, was located in present-day Lamphun, a city that still bears witness to its glorious past.

The origins of Haripuñjaya are shrouded in legend and mystery. According to ancient chronicles like the Camadevivamsa, Jinakalamali, and Singhanavati, the city was founded between 629 and 657 AD by four hermits: Suthep, Sukatanata, Tapanana, and Chantasikatungka. These wise men, seeking to establish a new center of power and spirituality, chose the site for its strategic location and natural beauty.

As the story goes the hermit Sukatanata, recognizing the need for strong leadership, reached out to the Mon ruler of the Lavo Kingdom, which was centered in present-day Lopburi. He requested that the king send his daughter, Jamadevi, to become the first queen of the newly founded city. This act would not only provide Haripuñjaya with a ruler of royal lineage but it would also forge a crucial alliance between the two Mon kingdoms.

However, modern historians have cast doubt on this early founding date. Contemporary scholars have put forward the idea that the actual establishment of Haripuñjaya occurred around 750 AD, placing it firmly within the context of the Dvaravati period. At this time, much of what is now central Thailand was under the control of various Mon city-states, collectively known as the Dvaravati kingdom. Haripuñjaya emerged as a significant power in this complex political landscape.

Queen Jamadevi’s reign marked the beginning of a long and prosperous dynasty. According to local legend, she faced an early challenge from Khun Luang Wilangka, the 13th king of Raming Nakhon, who belonged to the Lawa dynasty. In a brilliant display of political and military acumen, Jamadevi successfully defeated her rival, solidifying her position as the undisputed ruler of Haripuñjaya.

The queen’s legacy extended beyond her own reign. She gave birth to twin sons, both of whom would go on to play significant roles in shaping the kingdom’s future. The elder son succeeded Jamadevi as the ruler of Lamphun, continuing the direct line of succession in Haripuñjaya. The younger son, became the ruler of neighboring Lampang, extending the family’s influence and creating a network of allied cities.

Interestingly, the story of Haripuñjaya is not one of constant conflict with its neighbors. Despite the initial clash with Khun Luang Wilangka, a reconciliation was eventually achieved. The two princes of Haripuñjaya married the two princesses of King Vilanga, transforming former rivals into close allies. This diplomatic alliance exemplifies the complex web of relationships that characterized politics in ancient Thailand.

As the centuries passed, Haripuñjaya continued to evolve and adapt to the changing political landscape. The kingdom reached new heights of power and influence in the twelfth century, during the reign of King Adityaraja. However, the path that led Adityaraja to the throne of Haripuñjaya was far from straightforward.

Adityaraja and his brother Chadachota were originally princes of Suphannabhum, another important kingdom in the region. However, their fortunes changed dramatically when Suphannabhum was annexed by Lavo under the leadership of Prince Kampoch. Forced to flee their homeland, the two brothers sought refuge in Haripuñjaya.

This period of upheaval and realignment of power demonstrates the fluid nature of political boundaries and allegiances in medieval Thailand. Kingdoms rose and fell, princes became refugees, and new dynasties emerged from the ashes of the old. Haripuñjaya, not only provided sanctuary to the displaced princes but also benefited from their royal expertise and connections.

The reign of Adityaraja marked a golden age for Haripuñjaya. The kingdom expanded its influence, both politically and culturally. Buddhist art and architecture flourished, with the construction of magnificent temples and stupas that still stand today. The city became a center of learning, attracting scholars and artisans from across the region.

Trade played a crucial role in Haripuñjaya’s prosperity. The kingdom’s strategic location allowed it to control important trade routes, connecting the inland regions with coastal ports. Exotic goods from India, China, and beyond flowed through Haripuñjaya, enriching its coffers and exposing its people to diverse cultures and ideas.

Despite its power and influence, Haripuñjaya, like all kingdoms, was not immune to change. The 13th century brought new challenges and threats to the Mon kingdom. From the north, the Tai people were migrating southward, establishing new power centers and challenging the existing political order.

The final chapter of Haripuñjaya’s independent existence came in 1292 CE. In that year, the city was besieged and captured by Mangrai, the ambitious ruler of the Tai kingdom of Lan Na. This event marked a significant shift in the region’s balance of power, signaling the rise of Tai dominance in what would become northern Thailand.

While the fall of Haripuñjaya to Mangrai ended its existence as an independent kingdom, it did not erase the legacy of this once-great Mon civilization. The cultural, artistic, and religious influences of Haripuñjaya continued to shape the development of Lan Na, and later, the kingdom of Siam.

Today, the modern city of Lamphun stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Haripuñjaya. Ancient monuments, such as the Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, with its soaring golden stupa, continue to draw visitors and pilgrims. These architectural marvels serve as tangible links to a past when Haripuñjaya stood as a beacon of Mon culture and Buddhist faith in Thailand.

The story of Haripuñjaya, from its legendary founding by hermits to its eventual incorporation into the Lan Na kingdom, spans over half a millennium of Thai history. It is a tale of cultural flowering, political intrigue, and the ever-changing dynamics of power in a nation characterized by diversity and constant evolution.

As we reflect on the history of Haripuñjaya, we are reminded of the complex tapestry of cultures, kingdoms, and civilizations that have shaped the landscape of Thailand. The legacy of this Mon kingdom lives on, not only in the physical remnants of its glory but also in the cultural DNA of the region, a testament to the enduring impact of this once-great civilization.