Rajapilap Khamchan: The Interaction of Beliefs from Tebhumikatha and Brahmanism

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the beliefs derived from the Tebhumikatha and Brahmanism as reflected inRajapilap Khamchan, a literary work from the Ayutthaya period. The findings reveal that beliefs based on the Tebhumikatha tradition appear in several forms, including references to celestial beings, non-human creatures and animals, other cosmological elements, and the concept of karma. In contrast, Brahmanical beliefs are represented primarily through references to Brahmanical deities and related figures. The interaction between the Tebhumikatha -based beliefs and Brahmanical beliefs is evident through their appearance within the same narrative episodes and through contrasting representations.

The reflections of these two belief systems suggest that the author possessed extensive knowledge of both Buddhism and Brahmanism, enabling a harmonious integration of the two traditions. The coexistence and interaction of these beliefs help convey the narrative and the emotional dimensions of the characters more vividly, particularly Phra Ram, who is portrayed not only as a courageous king but also as a human being with emotional depth. As a result, the characterization of Phra Ram in Rajapilap Khamchan is distinctive from that found in other Thai versions of the Ramakien.