Introduction to Lanna Continued 2

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1405

King Sam Fang Kaen (r. 1401-1441) repelled Yunnanese armies and consolidated the Kingdom of Lanna.

1449

King Tilokarat (r.1441-1487) captured Nan, bringing Lanna to the height of its power. Considered the greatest of the Lanna kings after Mangrai, he brought Lanna to a "golden age", supporting Buddhist works and construction.

1477

The Eighth World Buddhist Council met at Wat Jet Yod to revise the Buddhist canon, bringing Lanna culture to its zenith.

1495

King Muang Kaew (r.1495-1526) patronized the arts as the last of the great kings of Lanna. His successor, King Chettarat (r.1526-38 & 1543-45), was deposed in favor of his son, was enthroned again and then was assassinated.

1545

An earthquake damaged the Phra Chedi Luang in a year that saw unsuccessful attacks on Chiang Mai by both a Shan prince and Ayutthaya.

1546

King Setthathirat of Luang Phrabang, the capital of the Kingdom of Lan Xang, ascended to the throne of Lanna (by invitation) only to return to his Lao capital upon the death of his father in 1547. Lanna collapsed into civil war between the chiefs of the principalities.

1551

Invited by local chiefs to rule, Phra Mekuti (r.1551- 1564) began an oppressive and unpopular rule. He forbade worship of the city pillar, an act which is thought to have brought misfortune to Chiang Mai.

1558

Chiang Mai fell without struggle to the Burmese. Prince Mekuti, the last of Mangrai's descendants, remained in power as a vassal.

1564

Mekuti unsuccessfully tried to shake off Burmese rule and was deposed. Chiang Mai became a base for attacks on Ayutthaya, which fell to King Bayinnaung in 1569.

1598

King Naresuan (r.1590-1605) of Ayutthaya captured Chiang Mai. The city fell to the Burmese in 1614.

1661

King Narai (r.1656-1688) of Ayutthaya captured and briefly held Chiang Mai.

1767

The Burmese destroyed Ayutthaya. King Taksin regrouped at Thon Buri, building up Siamese strength.

1774

Phraya Chaban of Chiang Mai and Chao Kawilaof Lampang sided with the Siamese against the Burmese, defeating them.

1776

Chiang Mai was abandoned.

1796

Chao Kawila (r.1781-1815) re-established Chiang Mai.

1868

King Chulalongkorn - Rama V (r.1868-1910) began reforms that set the foundation for the modern state.

1871

Chao Inthawichayanon (r.1871-1897) became the last semi-independent ruler of Chiang Mai.

1874

A Siamese high-commissioner began to take over the administration of Lanna.

1885

The telegraph reached Chiang Mai

1892

Siam incorporated Lanna into the administrative unit of "Monthon Phayap".

1893

France forced Siam to cede Laos, which included territory within the traditional domain of Lanna.

1902

The Shan rebellion was the last stirring of northern independence.

1921

The railway reached Chiang Mai. Education was made compulsory.

1932

Chiang Mai became a province of Siam.

1946

King Bhumiphol Adulyadej became King Rama IX of Siam (the name of Thailand being officially recognized in 1949).