“Ayodhaya” in the Eastern Area Outside of Ayutthaya Island: Fact or Myth?

Abstract

This academic article aims to review knowledge and analyze archaeological evidence related to ancient communities before the creation of Ayutthaya or Ayodhaya city, which is believed to be mostly located in the eastern part of Ayutthaya's city island. “Ayodhaya” or “Ayodhaya Shri-Ramdev-Nakhon” is believed to be the name of an ancient state or city before the creation of Ayuthaya. Many historical scholars have studied and suggested that this ancient state was centered on the eastern outside of Ayutthaya's city island, based on stories from Phong-Sawadan-Nue (Northern chronicles) that mention the Wat Derm,Wat Phra-Nang-Choeng, Wat Ku-Dii-Daw, and Wat Mahe-Yong. Together with evidence from Luang-Prasert-Aksoranit’s Royal Chronicles of Ayuthaya, it mentions the construction of Pra-Buddha-Pha-Naeng-choeng in 1324 A.D., 26 years before the creation of Ayutthaya.In addition, there is also a systematic network of intersecting canals that is believed to be the moat and irrigation system of this state. However, the study found that, A study of archaeological evidence and area conditions indicates that in the eastern outside of Ayutthaya's city island, there is sparse evidence of habitation before the creation of Ayutthaya, and it was found that this area was densely inhabited during the 14th century, continuing throughout the Ayutthaya period. There appears to be an expansion of the city from the western center to the eastern area without any archaeological evidence showing the ancient state “Ayodhaya” at all.