Elephant Kraal, Ayutthaya

The elephant kraal in 2012, with Ganesha shrine in the centre

The Elephant Kraal of Ayutthaya or Elephant Corral of Ayutthaya (Thai: เพนียดคล้องช้าง, pronounced [pʰā.nîa̯t kʰlɔ́ːŋ t͡ɕʰáːŋ]) is an elephant enclosure in the Thai city of Ayutthaya. It has been a registered historical site since 1941.

Background

The elephant kraal in the 19th century

The kraal was originally located beside the viceregal residence of Chan Kasem Palace, in Hua Ro quarter, but it was moved to its current location in the city of Ayutthaya) during the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat (r. 1548–1569– ).[1]

In the Ayutthaya period of Thai history, activities such as catching elephants were regarded as festive events for the upper classes as well as members of the royal family.[2] Mahouts would herd a number of elephants from the forest to the kraal, where the king would select one to be captured.[2] The kraal was built from logs lined up in a semicircle as a fence.[2][3] In the centre sits a shrine to the elephant god Ganesha, according to Brahmanism and local animism.[1]

The kraal was renovated in 1898, during the reign of King Chulalongkorn.[2] Further repairs took place in 1957, during the rule of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.[2]

The last formal elephant capture in Thailand occurred in 1893, during the reign of King Rama V, as a demonstration to the visiting tsesarevich of Russia (later Nicholas II).[4]

The Elephant Kraal of Ayutthaya has been a registered historical site since 1941, according to the Fine Arts Department.[2]

The elephant kraal is now a recognised ancient monument since 1941 by the Fine Arts Department.[1][5]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "เพนียดคล้องช้าง" [Elephant corral]. Khaosod (in Thai). 24 June 2019. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "ภาพในอดีต "เสาตะลุง" เพนียดคล้องช้าง" [Historical image of the "elephant corral posts" (or "elephant trapping posts").]. Thai PBS (in Thai). 29 May 2019. Retrieved 15 April 2022.
  3. ↑ "เรื่องนี้มีตำนาน: ความหมายของเสาตะลุง" [This story has a legend: The meaning of the talung post]. Thai PBS (in Thai). 4 June 2019. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
  4. ↑ "ร.7 ไม่เคยประกาศขายพระแก้วมรกตให้ใคร มีแต่ ร.5 เคยยกพระแก้วมรกตถวายให้พระเจ้าซาร์!" [King Rama VII never offered the Emerald Buddha for sale to anyone; it was King Rama V who once presented the Emerald Buddha to the Tsar!]. Thaipost (in Thai). 1 December 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2022.
  5. ↑ "เพนียดคล้องช้างคู่พระบารมีกษัตริย์แห่งกรุงศรีอยุธยา" [The elephant corral, a symbol of royal power for the kings of Ayutthaya]. Posttoday (in Thai). 25 May 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2022.

14°22′37″N 100°34′08″E / 14.376911°N 100.568963°E / 14.376911; 100.568963

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