BUDDHIST CULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF CHIANGMAI : THE ROLE OF KING TILOKARAJ

Abstract

This research aims to study the role of King Tilokaraj (1441-1487 CE) in creating the Buddhist cultural landscape in Chiang Mai, which significantly influenced the development of the Lanna Kingdom as a major religious and cultural center in Southeast Asia. The reign of King Tilokaraj is considered the golden age of Lanna, marked by prosperity in politics, economy, religion, and culture. The findings reveal that King Tilokaraj played a crucial role in creating and developing the cultural landscape through multiple dimensions, including the construction and expansion of important temples, particularly the completion of Wat Chedi Luang with a height of 45 wa, and the establishment of Wat Maha Bodharama, Wat Ratchamontian, Wat Pa Tal, and Wat Pa Daeng Maha Vihara. His religious reforms included supporting the Sinhala sect and organizing a significant Buddhist Council at Wat Maha Bodharama in 1477 CE, as well as establishing a standardized Pali education system throughout the kingdom. The creation of the cultural landscape during his reign was not merely an expression of Buddhist devotion, but also a political strategy to establish legitimacy and unity within the Lanna Kingdom. The urban planning with temples distributed in various directions created a religious network that connected communities and served as centers for cultural and economic exchange. The architectural styles developed during this period, particularly the Lanna-style chedi design and stucco decorative patterns, became distinctive characteristics and prototypes that influenced subsequent developments. The use of the Lanna Dhamma script for inscriptions and recording Buddhist scriptures resulted in significant religious literature that constitutes an important cultural heritage. The cultural landscape created by King Tilokaraj continues to hold meaning and value for the Chiang Mai community today. Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh remain important spiritual centers and venues for significant traditional ceremonies. This study demonstrates the success of creating a sustainable cultural landscape and provides important guidelines for cultural heritage conservation and urban development planning that considers religious and cultural identity.