The Tham Vessantara-jAtaka - Khamkoo

Mural paintings of this period are found at Wat RAtchasithArAm in ThonburI and Wat
DusitArAm, Bangkok Noi. On the South wall of Wat RAtchasithArAm, scenes from the VJ
such as the departure of Vessantara, the farewell of Vessanatara, Brahmin asking for the
horses of Vessantara, Vessantara on the way to Mount VaMka, JUjak and the ascetic
Accuta, the return of MaddI hindered by wild beasts and the return of Vessantara are
well depicted. 51
After the destruction of Ayutthaya by the Burmese, the restoration of Thailand
under Rama I (1782-1809) and the construction of the new capital city of Bangkok, the
year 1782 marked the beginning of the last creative phase in Thai painting. 52 The most
classical refinement of the paintings of Bangkok period can be studied in the throne hall
Phra ThInang Phuthaisawan, in Wat DusitArAm, Wat RAtchasithArAm and Wat
SuwannArAm. 53 On the ordination walls of Wat SuwannArAm scenes from Nemi, Maha-
Ummagga and Vessantara- jAtakas are illustrated. 54
Paintings of JAtakas with an instructive subject matter have always played a vital
role in Buddhist art. In the past, Thai people donated murals of the Thai pha phra bot (a
picture of a standing Buddha with two chief disciples SAriputta and Moggallana) to the
temples as an act of merit to be used during major festivals and ceremonies. 55 Such
murals were in demand up to and during the reign of King Rama V (1868 to 1910). 56
51
Klaus, Mural paintings in Thailand, pp. 63-71.
52
Ibid. pp. lvi.-lvii.
53
Ibid. Wat SuwanArAm is designated in Thai literature as Wat PorAn, an old temple. This expression is
use to designate the Ayutthaya period as the time of foundation.
54
Ibid. pp. 127-159.
55
Thirakanont, Magical Murals rise again.
56
Ibid.
100