Religious Architecture
Essentially,
there are five different historical periods where significant
changes can be seen in the various religious architecture
styles. Although such styles were generally concentrated in
a particular region (such as 'Lanna' which was mostly in the
north), examples from each period could also be found in other
parts of the country. The main periods are typically recorded
as follows:
Khmer
(9th to 13th Century)
Sukhothai (Mid 13th to 15th Centuries)
Ayutthaya (Mid 14th to late 18th Centuries)
Lanna (Mid 13th to 19th Centuries)
Rattanakosin (Late 18th Century to present)
It
should be noted, however, that for some Thai arts - in particular
sculpture, the actual dates of the Khmer and Lanna historical
periods are often quoted from the 7th to 13th century and
from the 11th to 18th century respectively.
Regardless
of historical period, the most important area of religious
architecture is the Thai temple or wat. The Thai wat is a
group of buildings each serving various purposes and usually
set within a walled enclosure. In addition to being a place
where the lessons of Buddha were taught, the Thai wat was
traditionally a school, hospital, community center and even
an entertainment venue.
Thai
wat complexes vary in size and splendor. Some are vast such
as the famous Wat Po in Bangkok, while others in smaller rural
villages are much more modest. Nevertheless, the basic layout
of any modern Thai wat complex is essentially the same. Each
follows a similar set of design principles and the same can
normally be said for the functions of the various buildings
within the complex. Notwithstanding the above, throughout
the different periods of Thai history, noticeable differences
can be seen in the exact layout of the Thai wat complex. Architectural
modifications have been made and the overall style of each
of the buildings may vary considerably. There is also a symbolic
significance to each and every part of the Thai wat complex.
The capitals of the columns, for example, are shaped like
lotus buds or water lilies symbolizing the purity of Buddha's
thoughts. The following are typical elements and features
of the Thai wat complex:
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