Hariphunchai

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This article is part of the History of Thailand series

Early history of Thailand
Sukhothai Kingdom (1238 - 1438)
Ayutthaya Kingdom (1350 - 1767)
* History of Thailand:
1768–1932
1932–1973
1973–
* Regional History:
Dvaravati
Srivijaya (3rd century -1400)
Hariphunchai
Lanna
Nakhon Si Thammarat
History of Isan
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Hariphunchai (or Haribhunjaya) was a Mon kingdom in the north of present Thailand in the centuries before the Thais moved into the area. Its capital was at Lamphun, which at the time was also called Hariphunchai. In 1292 the city was besieged and captured by the Thai kingdom of Lanna.

[edit] Founding

According to the Chamadevivamsa and Jinakalamali chronicles, the city was founded by a hermit named Suthep in 661 AD, and the Mon ruler of Lopburi sent his daughter Jamadevi to become its first queen. However, this date is now considered as too early, and the actual beginning is placed at around 750 AD. At that time, most of what is now central Thailand was under the rule of various Mon city states, known collectively as the Dvaravati kingdom. Queen Jamadevi gave birth to twins, the older succeeding her as the ruler of Lamphun, and the younger becoming ruler of neighboring Lampang.

[edit] Flourishing and downfall

The chronicles say that the Khmer unsuccessfully besieged Hariphunchai several times during the 11th century. It is not clear if the chronicles describe actual or legendary events, but the other Dvaravati Mon kingdoms did in fact fall to the Khmers at this time. The early 13th century was a golden time for Hariphunchai, as the chronicles talk only about religious activities or constructing buildings, not about wars. Nevertheless, Hariphunchai was besieged in 1292 by the Thai king Mengrai, who incorporated it into his Lannathai kingdom.