IX
chaeological or literary already studied by different
scholars, and mentions the most comprehensive works
on his subject. The third chapter deals with the
early colonisation of Siam. "The real history of
Slam", the author admits, "is the record of the three
kingdoms in succession with capitals at Sukhothai, Ayu-
thia and Bangkok respectively". "It may appear as an
anomaly to, many", he says, "that while the Indian cul-
ture went over to Champa and Camboja so early it is
so late in penetrating into Siam." He however gives his
reasons. "It may be explained as due to Siam being
part and parcel of the mighty empire of Camboja ;'J
Further on in ch. VIII (p 89), "We can not strictly
draw a line of demarcation between the two ancient
kingdoms of Camboja and Siam. The ancient Camboja
at present comprises both (i) Camboja, under the
French Protectorate and (2) Siam proper". I wish
Mr. Bose had emphasised a little more on this aspect
of the question as it explains the early hinduisation
of the people inhabiting the valley of the Menam.
This was certainly the early Indian substratum on
which the Thai built all their cultural superstructures.
Later on the Siamese kings when they adopted Bud-
dhism imported missionaries from Burma and Ceyloa
but that presupposes a previous acquaintance with some
sort of Indian culture which they received from the
people with whom they mixed up. Ch IV> V, VI
deal respectively with the dynasties of Sukhothai (?—
1349), Ayuthia(i350-i767),& Bangkok (1767—1926).