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The Chakri Dynasty and the Evolution of Kap He Poetry*

Professor Emeritus Cholada Ruengruglikit, PhD
Fellow of the Academy of Arts,
The Royal Society of Thailand

Abstract

Even though the kings of the Chakri Dynasty in the Rattanakosin Period composed Kap
He poems similar to that from the Ayutthaya Period in terms of form and compositional

techniques, each monarch developed and extended his Kap He poetry uniquely through literary
methods. This evolution is clearly visible, demonstrating their contribution to the progression

of Kap He poetry. As a result, these poems hold significant value and greatly contribute to
the study of Kap He poetry in Thai language and literature.

Keywords : the Chakri Dynasty, the evolution of Kap He poetry

Introduction

Kap He is a form of Thai poetry that has been composed since the Ayutthaya Period.
During the Rattanakosin Period, the kings of the Chakri Dynasty composed Kap He poetry with

distinct literary qualities and a clear evolution.

Definition of “Kap He” and “Evolution”
“Kap He” is a type of Thai poetic composition consisting of a four-line stanza called

Khlong Si Suphap followed by an unlimited number of Kap Yani stanzas, structured according to
the content desired by the poet. The first one or two Kap Yani stanzas often mimic the meaning

of the introductory stanza of Khlong Si Suphap. Kap He poetry can cover various themes and
may be composed in one section or multiple sections, each beginning with an introductory stanza

of Khlong Si Suphap. If used for boat chanting, it is referred to as “Kap He Ruea.”
“Evolution” in this study adheres to the definition provided by the Royal Institute

Dictionary (2011), meaning “a process of change or development towards a better or more
advanced state.”

* This is an English version adapted from the article with the same title in Thai published in the book
“The Royal Institution and Academic Advancement of the Nation” (สถาบัันพระมหากษััตริย์์กับัวิิวิัฒนาการทาง
วิิชาการของประเทศ).

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