Chakri dynasty
Chakri Dynasty (1782 to Present)
The crowning of Phutthayotfa Chulalok as the new King of Siam, ushered in the dawn of a new reign - the Chakri Dynasty. The name "Chakri," which fuses "chakra" (discus) and "ri" (wield), reflects the monarch's role as the divine protector of the realm, embodying Vishnu himself. This dynastic nomenclature and spiritual foundation illustrates how deeply intertwined Thailand's monarchy is with Brahminical Hindu traditions, despite the country being predominantly Buddhist.
​
Before becoming king, Phutthayotfa Chulalok (birthname Thongduang), served as the Chakri, or Chief Minister, under King Taksin of Thonburi. When he ascended the throne in 1782, later to be referenced as King Rama I, he established a new royal house and chose the name Chakri Dynasty to reflect both his previous position and the symbolic association with Vishnu’s discus.
The title 'Rama' along with a numerical designation, was only formalized in the early 20th century to align with Western diplomatic conventions in reference to Thai monarchs. ​The title 'Rama' is taken from the Indian epic Ramayana, where Rama is symbolized as a righteous king.
Founding of Bangkok City ( 21 April 1782)
Rattanakosin Island
Bangkok Flag
City Pillar Prang
Rattanakosin Island
King Phutthayotfa Chulalok decided that a new capital was required for administrative, defense, and trade purposes. He chose the area on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya river as the location.
​
Brahmin court astrologers determined that 06:54am on 21 April 1782, was the auspicious date and time for the founding of the new city. The Nakhon Than Royal Ceremony was conducted to erect the City Pillar, which is believed to connect the earthly realm with the divine. This practice is thought to have its roots in the raising of the Dhvajastambha - the Flagstaff in a Hindu temple.
The City Pillar is regarded as the first structure of the new capital. The visible portion of the City Pillar sits 108 inches above the ground. In Hinduism, 108 is a mystical number that represents the wholeness of existence. The Bangkok City Pillar Shrine was then built to house the pillar. The building has four open sides, for the pillar to be visible from the four principal directions - east, west, north, south - similar to that of a Brahma Shrine.
The roof is a 'Prang', a cone structure that represents Mount Meru, a mystical mountain in Hinduism & Buddhism. Mount Kailash in Tibet is considered the earthly embodiment of Mount Meru, abode of Lord Shiva. Prangs are capped by an ornament that represents a Trishula, Shiva's Trident.
The name Bangkok is thought to have originated from the term 'Bang Makok - a place of olive plums'. This is further substantiated by the original name of the famous Wat Arun - Wat Bang Makok. Wat Arun derives its name from the Hindu deity Aruṇa - the charioteer of Surya (the sun god) in Hinduism. He is the elder brother of the Garuda, that is used in Thailand as a royal symbol. Aruna is personified as the radiance of the rising sun - hence Wat Arun is also known as 'The Temple of Dawn'.
Originally, the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand - the Emerald Buddha - was housed at Wat Arun. It was thereafter moved to Wat Phra Kaew, which is designated as a Special Class Royal Temple that is located within the grounds of the Royal Grand Palace.
Bangkok's Official Name in Thai, is composed of Pali and Sanskrit root words, that essentially translates as:
'City of Angels, great city of immortals, magnificent city of the Nine Gems, seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate, erected by Vishvakarman at Indra's behest'.
Nine Gems refers to 9 different types of gems of different colors, that represent the 'Navagraha', the 9 celestial objects in Indian astrology.
​Vishvakarman (Sanskrit: 'all maker') is a craftsman deity and the divine architect of the devas in Hinduism.
Indra is the King of the Gods (Devas) in the Rigveda, the oldest of the Sanskrit Vedic texts.
The official Seal of Bangkok City, depicts Indra riding on the divine elephant Airavata (Erawan in Thailand). This vessel of Indra is used by the deity to traverse between heaven and earth.