Chiang Senn
I met a number of Mussurs from
east of the Me Kawng taking buffaloes to M. Kwan. The buffaloes
are lent by friends of M. Lem, being too poor to buy them. I
reach Ban Pawm, an old abandoned stokade, near which is a deserted
temple. They were built at the same time, and were meant to indicate
the position as suitable for a guard-house. Peace and war were
thus established side by side, and as the object in view is accomplished
they are abandone.
From here we go over the plain
of Chieng Senn, which has scarcely any trees, the few trees which
do exist being very stunted and shabby. This points to great
floods. As we approach the town of Chieng Senn we observe a great
number of bogs. the town is surrounded by low hills, all historical,
and the old Governor, who is a nervous, excitable man, and hates
the second Governor, has extraordinary and very wild legends about
them.
To the south and beyond the
low hills, about six miles off, is a large swamp teeming with
fish; on the east is the noble Me Kawng, and as the soil is very
productive, the people have little to do to gain a livelihood.
It is extraordinary what an excellent farmer every man in Siam
is and the cultivation of fruit-trees is a favourite employment
of wealthy men, who take a delight in making the soil disclose
its riches.
Chieng Senn is remarkable for
some very large and very beautiful. At one time there were hundreds
of figures known as Katimapet, regarded by the Siamese as being
very ancient. As they were a convenient size, they were carried
off to Bangkok, where they would be better cared for. It was
looked upon as desecration that they should be allowed to moulder
away in ruins. There are few people beyond the officials within
the city walls, the settlers, chiefly from Lampun, living in villages
over the plain. As they pay no taxes, the life is free and easy,
and it is very difficult to get them to work..
The following is the history
of Chieng Senn given me by the son of the Governor. I have translated
it quite literally:
The History of Chieng Senn, as copied
by Phya Siti-Ai-Sawn in the year (Chula -Sakarat 1218) A.D. 1857.
The first country made was Chieng
Lawah
; and Phya Anu Ruta, who made an era, came with one thousand
things for amusement (Boriwan). He founded Muang Nguan Yang.
His descendants were Lao Kop-Lao Chang.
Lao Kao Keo Ma Muang reigned 45 years.
Lao Tang reigned 26 years.
Lao Kum reigned 10 years.
Lao Leo reigned 16 years.
Lao Kupp reigned 15 years.
Lao Kumm reigned 15 years.
Lao Keng reigned 26 years.
Lao Ko reigned 20 years.
Lao Tung reigned 17 years.
Lao Terng reigned 20 years.
Lao Tun reigned 16 years.
Lao Sun reigned 21 years.
Lao Kwaka reigned 21 years.
Lao Kwit reigned 35 years.
Lao Chung reigned 16 years.
Lao Chum Palurrng reigned 11 years.
Kun Chuenng reigned 14 years
who was killed in battle, finishing
the dynasty of nineteen kings.
The last king was succeeded
by Menta Tawk, who again was succeeded by
Lao Ngun Luang, who reigned 22 years.
Lao Chuenn, who reigned 10 years.
Lao Muang, who reigned 25 years.
Continued
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