RUINS OF A TEMPLE AND STATUE OF BUDDHA AT AYUTHIA.

EPOCHS.

The following dates, drawn from the annals, and marking important epochs in the sacred history of Siam, are believed to be nearly correct:—

Christian Era.Buddhist Era.
The reigning Buddha died on the 3rd day of the 6th month of the year of the serpent, corresponding with the yearB.C. 543
The first great Buddhist Council was convoked under Ajatra-Sutra (in India) the year of the death of Buddha
The second grand Council was convoked under Hala-SokkarajaB.C. 443100
The third, under the rule of Sri Dhamma SokaB.C. 325218
The fourth grand CouncilB.C. 143400
The Buddhist doctor, Phra Buddha Ghosa, introduced Buddhism into CambodiaA.D. 422965

It was in the year 1000 of the Buddhist era, A.D. 457, that King Tuang, whose accession and glorious reign had been announced by a communication from Gandama himself, and who possessed, in addition to his other claims to distinction, “a white elephant with black tusks,” introduced the alphabet Tai, which was communicated to a numerous conclave of Buddhist priests. The ancient chronicles terminate with the establishment of Chao-Utonng in the new city of Si-Ayo-Thaya (Ayuthia), but leave the date of this event rather doubtful.

SIAMESE MONARCHS.

The following is the list of Siamese monarchs since the foundation of this capital:—

Siamese Era.Christian Era.
7121350Phra Rama Phiobodi.
7311369—— Rama Suen (his son).
7321370—— Borom Raxa (his brother).
7441382—— Rama Suen II.
7471385—— Phaja Ram (his son).
7631401Inthaxara.
7921430Borom Raxa Phirat.
8051442Boronua Irai Lokharat.
8341472Phra Rama Phibodi.
8751513Raxa Kuman.
8761514Xaja Raxa Phirat.
8891527Phra Jot Fa.
8911529Maha Cha Kraphat Raxa Ihirat.
9091547Phra Chao Xang Phuok.
9141552Mahinthara Thirat.
9261564Phra Naret.
9571595Eka Thotsarot.
9631601Chao Fa.
9641602Phra Chao Song Iham.
9891627Phra Chao Prasal Ihong.
10171655Chao Fa Xai.
10181656Phra Chao Xam Phuok.
10501688Phra Phet Raxa.
10591697Chao Dua.
10681706Name unknown.
11201758Chao Dok Ma Dua.
11281766Interregnum.
11291767Phyja Tak.
11731811Phra Phuti Chao Luang (the founder of the present dynasty).
11871825Phen Din Prasat Ihong.
12131851Phra Chao Prasat Ihong.

HISTORICAL SKETCH.

Instead of dwelling on the ancient history of Siam, we prefer to give an extract from the appendix to the celebrated work of Sir John Bowring, ‘The Kingdom and People of Siam:’ the passage originally appeared in ‘The Chinese Repository,’ and is from the pen of the late king:—