EUROPEAN INFLUENCES IN AYUTTHAYA, BANG PA-IN ROYAL PALACE
EUROPEAN INFLUENCES IN AYUTTHAYA, BANG PA-IN ROYAL PALACE
(THE ROYAL SUMMER RESIDENCE)
This beautiful palace was used as a summer residence by the Siamese royalty and family. The entire palace is made up of several buildings spread around over a large area. The palace also had a huge European influence on its architecture due to the King studying in Europe.
WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM OTHER PLACES AND TIMES AND HOW WE CAN RELATE IT TO OUR CURRENT LIVES?
Even though Ayutthaya was founded and established 100s of years ago, the intercultural elements like Thai architecture with European and Chinese elements show the development and mindset of people from then. Something a lot of us are yet to learn in this 21st century. After centuries, we can still relate to this harmonious cultural influences in various places. Even though Singapore has a Chinese majority, its cultural scenario is strongly influenced by the Chinese, Malay and Indians as well, leading to cultural harmony. Indian architecture and food have been greatly influenced by the Persians who invaded the country leading to the birth of an even richer culture.
- Originally built in the early 17th century and was rebuilt in the 19th century when the Burmese invaded and destroyed the palace
- The palace complex consists of various buildings, some built-in Thai, some in Chinese and some in European style
- This is probably the only place in Ayutthaya to have such a great mix of Thai and European influenced architecture
THAI AND EUROPEAN INFLUENCED ARCHITECTURE
(PHRA THINANG WAROPHAT PHIMAN)
- King Chulalongkorn having studied in Europe was inspired by the architecture from France and England
- One main structure in the palace that has a mix of Thai and European style architecture is the PHRA THINANG WAROPHAT PHIMAN also known as the "Heavenly and Shining Abode" or Varobhas Bimarn
- It's a neo-classical styled one storey mansion which was primarily used as his residence and a throne hall
- While the structure is heavily European influenced, the interiors are decorated with oil paintings of important events in Thai history and its literature
- Another well-known structure is the WAT NIWET THAMPRAWAT which is a traditional Thai Buddhist temple but looks like a European Style gothic cathedral
- Its characterized by stained-glass windows typically found in European cathedrals
GARDENS OF BANG PA-IN SUMMER PALACE
- King Chulalongkorn who established most of this palace was said to be a keen gardener and a fan of spending time outdoors
- This is seen through the many lakes and plant displays throughout the palace compounds
- A very delightful sight one can see here is the Thai tradition of topiary (Mai Dut) which is a style of landscaping in which bushes are trimmed based off themes from the Buddha's life
FLOATING PAVILION
- A decorated Thai style Pavilion that sits in the middle of a pond; also known as "Divine Seat of Personal Freedom"
- The Pavillion now houses a bronze statue of the King Chulalongkorn, the one who established the palace
ROYAL MEMORIALS
- Two marble monument memorials stand next to each other, one in honour of Princess Saovabhark and the other to mark a tragedy that claimed the life of King Chulalongkorn's first wife and daughter.
- The King's 19 year old pregnant first wife and their 2 year old princess daughter were bound for Bang Pa-In Palace from Bangkok
- The boat, unfortunately, capsized on the Chao Phraya river
- The then Siamese laws prohibited anyone from touching the royalty and this meant that no one could save the drowning Queen and her daughter
REFLECTION
This palace certainly stood out amongst the many other historical sites of Ayutthaya. It's a beautifully built palace with a lot of historical and architectural significance to it. With a beautiful mix of Thai and European architecture, the palace grounds offer a relaxed atmosphere and greatly indicates the personality of the King who developed the palace. One should definitely learn multicultural importances from this centuries old city.
SOURCES
- https://www.thaizer.com/tourist-attractions/bang-pa-in-palace-ayutthaya/
- http://www.onlyadayaway.com/visiting-bang-pa-in-palace/
- https://www.thaizer.com/tourist-attractions/thai-topiary/
- http://www.bangkok.com/explore-ayutthaya/explore-bang-pa-in.html
- https://www.renown-travel.com/palaces/bang-pa-in.html
- https://www.bangkokways.com/sightseeing/bang-pa-in-royal-palace/warophat-phiman-shining-heavenly-abode/
- https://midwestmagellan.com/2016/04/07/phra-thinang-warophat-phiman/
- https://www.timetravelturtle.com/bang-pa-in-palace-thailand/
WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM OTHER PLACES AND TIMES AND HOW WE CAN RELATE IT TO OUR CURRENT LIVES?
Even though Ayutthaya was founded and established 100s of years ago, the intercultural elements like Thai architecture with European and Chinese elements show the development and mindset of people from then. Something a lot of us are yet to learn in this 21st century. After centuries, we can still relate to this harmonious cultural influences in various places. Even though Singapore has a Chinese majority, its cultural scenario is strongly influenced by the Chinese, Malay and Indians as well, leading to cultural harmony. Indian architecture and food have been greatly influenced by the Persians who invaded the country leading to the birth of an even richer culture.
THAI AND EUROPEAN INFLUENCED ARCHITECTURE
(PHRA THINANG WAROPHAT PHIMAN)
- King Chulalongkorn having studied in Europe was inspired by the architecture from France and England
- One main structure in the palace that has a mix of Thai and European style architecture is the PHRA THINANG WAROPHAT PHIMAN also known as the "Heavenly and Shining Abode" or Varobhas Bimarn
- It's a neo-classical styled one storey mansion which was primarily used as his residence and a throne hall
- While the structure is heavily European influenced, the interiors are decorated with oil paintings of important events in Thai history and its literature
- Another well-known structure is the WAT NIWET THAMPRAWAT which is a traditional Thai Buddhist temple but looks like a European Style gothic cathedral
- Its characterized by stained-glass windows typically found in European cathedralsGARDENS OF BANG PA-IN SUMMER PALACE
- King Chulalongkorn who established most of this palace was said to be a keen gardener and a fan of spending time outdoors
- This is seen through the many lakes and plant displays throughout the palace compounds
- A very delightful sight one can see here is the Thai tradition of topiary (Mai Dut) which is a style of landscaping in which bushes are trimmed based off themes from the Buddha's life
FLOATING PAVILION
- A decorated Thai style Pavilion that sits in the middle of a pond; also known as "Divine Seat of Personal Freedom"
- The Pavillion now houses a bronze statue of the King Chulalongkorn, the one who established the palace
ROYAL MEMORIALS
- Two marble monument memorials stand next to each other, one in honour of Princess Saovabhark and the other to mark a tragedy that claimed the life of King Chulalongkorn's first wife and daughter.
- The King's 19 year old pregnant first wife and their 2 year old princess daughter were bound for Bang Pa-In Palace from Bangkok
- The boat, unfortunately, capsized on the Chao Phraya river
- The then Siamese laws prohibited anyone from touching the royalty and this meant that no one could save the drowning Queen and her daughter
REFLECTION
This palace certainly stood out amongst the many other historical sites of Ayutthaya. It's a beautifully built palace with a lot of historical and architectural significance to it. With a beautiful mix of Thai and European architecture, the palace grounds offer a relaxed atmosphere and greatly indicates the personality of the King who developed the palace. One should definitely learn multicultural importances from this centuries old city.
This palace certainly stood out amongst the many other historical sites of Ayutthaya. It's a beautifully built palace with a lot of historical and architectural significance to it. With a beautiful mix of Thai and European architecture, the palace grounds offer a relaxed atmosphere and greatly indicates the personality of the King who developed the palace. One should definitely learn multicultural importances from this centuries old city.
SOURCES
- https://www.thaizer.com/tourist-attractions/bang-pa-in-palace-ayutthaya/
- http://www.onlyadayaway.com/visiting-bang-pa-in-palace/
- https://www.thaizer.com/tourist-attractions/thai-topiary/
- http://www.bangkok.com/explore-ayutthaya/explore-bang-pa-in.html
- https://www.renown-travel.com/palaces/bang-pa-in.html
- https://www.bangkokways.com/sightseeing/bang-pa-in-royal-palace/warophat-phiman-shining-heavenly-abode/
- https://midwestmagellan.com/2016/04/07/phra-thinang-warophat-phiman/
- https://www.timetravelturtle.com/bang-pa-in-palace-thailand/
From one of your points mentioned:
ReplyDelete"This is probably the only place in Ayutthaya to have such great mix of Thai and European influenced architecture."
Can you delve deeper to find out which are the Thai and European influenced architecture and how did they mix them to create something of their own. Maybe that can be your idea for your Treasure.
Okay sure, I'll research deeper on that and update accordingly
DeleteAmazing finding : )
ReplyDelete