The Rite of the Elephant Duel in Thai-Burmese Military History

Authors

Sunait Chutintaranond

Publication Date

2004-01-01

Abstract

The tradition of a single combat on elephant back first emerged in Thai history in the 13th century during the Sukhothai period. Before that time, there was no evidence that this tradition was practiced by mainland Southeast Asian rulers. The origin of the elephant duel is still unknown but there is historical interpretation that the Thais and other mainland Southeast Asian warriors had adopted this practice from Sri Lanka. The fight on elephant back is a kind of military ritual observed by pre-modern monarchs of mainland Southeast Asia. With the arrival of modern weapons, particularly fire-arms such as muskets and cannons, the tradition was brought to its end. This is due to the fact that the fighter riding on the back of a huge creature had become a clear target of the opposition gunners. Many of them had been murdered before the engagement. The tradition was terminated in late 16th century. The fight between King Naresuan of Ayudhya and the Crown prince of Pegu had marked the end of this fatal ritual after being practiced without interruption for over three centuries.

First Page

56

Last Page

65

Recommended Citation

Chutintaranond, Sunait (2004) "The Rite of the Elephant Duel in Thai-Burmese Military History," Manusya, Journal of Humanities: Vol. 7: No. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/manusya/vol7/iss2/4