Chi Valley Civilization: History, Culture and Wisdom in Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

             This purpose of this research were: 1) to study civilization, history and culture of Chi valley in Maha Sarakham province, 2) to study the local wisdom of Isan people of Chi valley in Maha Sarakham province and 3) to make guideline for preserve the civilization of Chi valley in Mahasarakham province. This research is documentary and qualitative research. It is combined operations and fieldwork and in-depth interviews group, especially in the area of Wat Pa Lalei, Nadun District, Maha sarakham province. The total is 21 persons and analysis using descriptive methods.
             The research result found that:
             1. Maha Sarakham province is a peaceful and simple city. It is located in the Korat plateau with a major Chi river flowing. It is now an important city as educational center of the Northeast and there is a long history. There is an important archaeological site that has been influenced by Buddhism, since the late Kupta and Pallava periods of India passed through Pagan of Myanmar in the form of art during the Dvaravati period, It appears to be an important source of civilization, namely the Dvaravati civilization: such as the area of Kandaravichai (Kok Phra), Champasri, and Phra That Nadun and Khmer civilization at Ku Santarat. There is language culture a different language culture used in local communication from the common Isan languages.
             2. There are many the wisdom of the Isan people of Chi valley in Maha Sarakham Province: Khao Mak, appetizer of Isaan people, herbs, pottery making and Mudmee silk. But the the Important Isaan wisdom is Hoop Taep or mural paintings with Sim, especially Wat Pa Lalei, Nadun District is classified of community.
              3. It created a manual for local guide and body of knowledge about Hoop Taep or mural paintings of Wat Pa Lalei and create a body of knowledge as a large sign for the education of those interested for maintaining and preserving of civilization of Chi river valley in Maha Sarakham Province.