Eulogy of King Narai
Eulogy of King Narai is a poem in Thai, composed during the reign of King Narai (1656–1688). It is a major example of the Thai genre of royal panegyrics. The identity of the author is uncertain. The poem relates the key events of the reign, the king’s power, his palace at Lopburi, the beauties of the forest, and an elephant hunt. Dating and authorship Eulogy of King Narai (), Khlong chaloem phrakiat somdet phra narai maharat, is a poem in Thai. The poem was probably composed in the early 1680s as no event after 1680 is mentioned in the text. As with most old Thai literature, the author is not identified. Some authorities attribute authorship to Luang Si Mahosot, while others including Winai Pongsripian favour Phra Maharatchakhru, a head of the Brahman department, and author of several other poetic works. Significance The royal panegyric is a prominent genre in Thai poetry, possibly influenced by the Praśasti genre in Sanskrit. Praise of the king is a large element in Yuan Phai, a 15th-century war poem. The first work framed and titled specifically as a royal panegyric was the Eulogy of King Prasat Thong about King Narai’s father and predecessor. King Narai