Reviving Buddhist Temples, Faith, and Establishments: The Restoration of the Old Capital City through Temple Revitalization within the Socio-Political Context of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya from the Reigns of King Rama III to King Rama V (1824–1910)

ฟื้นวัด ศรัทธา สถาปนา: การฟื้นกรุงเก่าผ่านการบูรณปฏิสังขรณ์วัด ในเมืองพระนครศรีอยุธยาภายใต้บริบททางสังคมและการเมือง สมัยรัชกาลที่ 3 ถึงรัชกาลที่ 5 พ.ศ. 2367 – 2453

Abstract

        This research aims to study the restoration and establishment of Buddhist temples in the Old Capital City of Ayutthaya as a reflection of the relationship between religious faith and the socio-political context from the reigns of King Rama III to King Rama V, The study examines documentary evidence related to temple restoration and architectural patronage, alongside surveys of artistic and architectural features in the area. The collected data are then analyzed and synthesized through historical research methodology. The findings reveal that during the reign of King Rama III, temples in the Old Capital City were primarily restored by city governors, reflecting the status of the elites as representatives of royal authority who played a significant role in local administration. Subsequently, during the reign of King Rama IV, The royal court placed significant emphasis on the continuous restoration of temples in the Old Capital City, featuring artistic works that distinctly reflected the royal intentions and preferences of King Mongkut. In the reign of King Rama V, various temples in the Old Capital City were increasingly restored. In addition, some temples were newly established in a modern style, reflecting temple construction under firm royal faith and in accordance with changing worldviews. However, there were also some Buddhist temples and sites in the Old Capital that were not restored. Nevertheless, they remained as symbols of the grandeur of the former Thai capital, linking its historical significance to the continued existence of the new state.