The Image of the Ideal Monarch in the Tale of Duodecagon

Authors

Kusuma Raksamani

Publication Date

2008-01-01

Abstract

A collection of Thai tales, derived from Persian Islam, narrates how the kings successfully deal with their ministers and subjects with their righteousness. In the narrative, the twelve-sided tomb of a king is discovered with the inscription of twelve stories, endowed with precepts and wise sayings on the art of ruling. This article discusses the Persian source of the work and analyses the content and theme of the story that mirrors the image of the ideal king in Thai culture and that of Persian Muslims as well. Also, the power of the constructive narrative is stressed in allowing stories to educate the reader or the listener. I heard that in his moment of agony Anushirawan said to Hurmuz: "Be thoughtful of the poor And concerned not only with your own well-being. No one will be prosperous in your kingdom If you are devoted only to your own welfare. The wise dislike the shepherd's sleep When the wolf is after the sheep. Take care of the poor and needy And remember that the king owes his crown to the people. The people are the roots and the king is the tree And the tree depends on the roots. Do not hurt the people's heart. If you do, you unroot yourself." ("Boostan" in Najibullah 1963: 297)

First Page

59

Last Page

67

Recommended Citation

Raksamani, Kusuma (2008) "The Image of the Ideal Monarch in the Tale of Duodecagon," Manusya, Journal of Humanities: Vol. 11: No. 16, Article 3.
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/manusya/vol11/iss16/3