Selected Essence of the Dvarvati Civilization in Nakhon Pathom: A Guide to the Creation of the Buddha Chedi Dvaravati Sri Nakhon Pathom Suite

Abstract

Selected Essence of the Dvarvati Civilization in Nakhon Pathom: A Guide to the Creation of the Buddha Chedi Dvaravati Sri Nakhon Pathom Suite is an article based on the research data collected for the composition of the said suite. Its objectives are to study social fundamentals data on the beliefs system, ethnicity, language, architectural styles, historical background and music relationship associated with the seven ancient Buddha Chedi (Buddhist pagodas) of Nakhon Pathom by using qualitative research methods. The research findings can be divided into three parts. Part 1: Belief system – the people of Dvaravati period were devout Theravada Buddhists; Ethnicity – the people of Dvaravati civilization were found to consist of 1) the Mon people and 2) people of different ethnic groups, mainly the Mon and Tai people;  Language – they used the three languages of Pali, Sanskrit, and ancient Mon; Architectural structures – stupa and pagodas. Part 2: A study on the historical background of Dvaravati Buddhist pagodas revealed two sources of explanations for their construction – 1) the folktales of Phraya Kong Phraya Pharn; 2) they were built to contain Buddha’s relics and were the focal points of the Buddhist faith. This construction practice was originated in the 3^rd Buddhist century and continued right up to the true Dvaravati period of the 11^th-16^th Buddhist century. The architectural structure of these Buddhist pagodas can be divided in three sections: the Bua Walai style of base was influenced by the Indian, Central Javanese, Cham and Khmer art styles; the middle section or Ruean that, which contains a chamber holding Buddha’s relics, can be a Prasat-shaped or bell-shaped pagoda with indented niches at the corners decorated with replica Prasat or Sum Choranam arches; and the top section decorated with an umbrella or Chat in the Central Javanese art style. Part 3: A study of the musical relationship in the areas associated with the seven ancient Buddhist pagodas of Nakhon Pathom. Three aspects of the research findings can be summarized as follows: 1) Dvaravati music – a study of Dvaravati musical instruments identified seven instruments in the three categories of stringed instruments, consisting of Bin Nam Tao (Gourd harp), Bin Ha Sai (5-stringed harp) and Chakhe (zither); percussion instruments consisting of Ching ( small cup-shaped cymbal), Krap Puang (castanet) and wind instruments consisting of Sang (conch shell), Khlui (flute) and Pi (oboe); 2) Dvaravati music associated with the ancient Buddhist pagodas of Nakhon Pathom – two musical instruments in two categories of musical instruments were found, namely, Bin in the stringed instrument category and Rakhang Hin (stone bells) in the percussion instrument category. Both instruments are associated with the acts of worshipping and reverence; 3) the musical culture of the areas associated with the seven ancient Buddhist pagodas of Nakhon Pathom – a study of the musical ensembles in six communities of Nakhon Pathom Province discovered ten musical ensembles in the categories of Khrueang Sai Thai, Khrueang Sai Phasom, Piphat Thai, Piphat Mon and Mahori ensembles. the said musical ensembles play two important roles in the local society and culture: 1) religious roles, and 2) social role. All three aspects of the research findings provided the researcher with an inspiration and creative imagination for the composition of the present repertoire.