Title : The Image of the Ideal Monarch in the Tale of Duodecagon

Author(s) : Kusuma Raksamani

Pages : 59-67

Abstract in English : A collection of Thai tales, derived from Persian Islam, narrates how the kings successfully deal with their ministers and subjects with their righteousness. In the narrative, the twelve-sided tomb of a king is discovered with the inscription of twelve stories, endowed with precepts and wise sayings on the art of ruling. This article discusses the Persian source of the work and analyses the content and theme of the story that mirrors the image of the ideal king in Thai culture and that of Persian Muslims as well. Also, the power of the constructive narrative is stressed in allowing stories to educate the reader or the listener.
I heard that in his moment of
agony
Anushirawan said to Hurmuz:
?Be thoughtful of the poor
And concerned not only with your
own well-being.
No one will be prosperous in your
kingdom
If you are devoted only to your
own welfare.

The wise dislike the shepherd?s
sleep
When the wolf is after the sheep.
Take care of the poor and needy
And remember that the king owes
his crown to the people.

The people are the roots and the
king is the tree
And the tree depends on the roots.
Do not hurt the people?s heart.
If you do, you unroot yourself.?
(?Boostan? in Najibullah 1963: 297)