Architectural Transformation of a Mondop to a Bell Shaped Chedis Raised on High Base in the Late Sukhothai Art: Evidence from Kamphaengphet Ancient City

Abstract

This article examines the transformation of Mondop (the Buddha image house in Sukhothai Art in around the 13th Century A.D.) at Kamphaengpet Ancient City. The change in an architectural style is witnessed in the top part, from an application of general timber superstructure into “Bell-shaped Chedi-spired Mondop” (Mondop with a bell-shaped Chedi on the top). Such a style is considered a unique Kamphaengpet's style in the late 14th Century A.D.

         The bell-shaped Chedi-spired Mondop was transformed into a bell-shaped style Chedi of Sukhothai Art in the early 15^th Century A.D. A high solid base was created, instead of a hollow building enclosure, as a support for a bell-shaped Chedi, as shown at the main Chedi of Wat Sriphichitkittikalyaram Sukhothai (built in 1404 A.D.) created by an important monk from Kamphaengpet. This artistic feature can also be found at the principal Chedi of Wat Chedi Sung Sukhothai. Later in the late 15th Century A.D., this structure of high solid base to support the bell-shaped Chedi was re-created in Kamphaengpet, as evidenced at the principal Chedi of Wat Avas Yai.

         This artistic evolution represents the rise of the political and religious significance of Kamphaengpet since the early 15^th Century A.D, indicating that Kamphaengpet was politically used as a base to conquer Sukhothai region by Suphannaphum Dynasty of Ayutthaya.