Duhkhita

Duḥkhita (Thai: ทุกขิตะ) was a legendary monarch of the Singhanavati dynasty, rulers of the kingdom of Yonok, whose reign is preserved in later historical and semi-legendary traditions. He ascended the throne in 344 S.E. (422 C.E.), succeeding his father Bhrngaraja, at the age of 55. Duḥkhita ruled until his death at the age of 70, whereupon the throne passed to his son, Mahavarna.

The extant sources record a significant chronological inconsistency concerning the length of Duḥkhita’s reign. The narrative asserts that he was enthroned upon his father’s death in 344 S.E. and governed the kingdom for 16 years, which would place the conclusion of his reign in 360 S.E. (438 CE) However, the same tradition alternatively states that his reign ended in 349 S.E. This internal contradiction suggests either a scribal corruption of dates or the coexistence of divergent chronological traditions within the textual transmission.

Duḥkhita was born in 280 S.E. (358 C.E.) at Wiang Si Tuang, to a principal queen consort of Bhṛṅgarāja. His birth occurred during a period of dynastic displacement, shortly after his father had been deprived of the capital by Phraya Khom, a vassal ruler of Umongasela, and forced into exile at Wiang Si Tuang. Duḥkhita thus spent his early life in a context marked by political instability and royal dispossession.

The restoration of the Singhanavati throne occurred later through the military achievements of Duḥkhita’s younger brother, Phrom, whose exceptional martial skill is emphasized in the tradition. Phrom is said to have defeated Phraya Khom in single combat atop war elephants, an event that resulted in the recapture of the capital and the reinstatement of their father, Bhrngaraja, in 344 S.E. (397 C.E.). Despite being offered the title of crown prince in recognition of his exploits, Phrom declined the position. Consequently, the designation of heir apparent fell to Duḥkhita.