Phra Bat Somdet Phra Borommarajabongjet Mahesvarasundorn Phra Buddha Loetla Nabhalai or Rama II
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Borommarajabongjet Mahesvarasundorn Phra Buddha Loetla Nabhalai or Rama II was the second monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, ruling from 1809 to 1824. In 1809, Itsarasunthon succeeded his father Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, the founder of Chakri dynasty, as Buddha Loetla Nabhalai the King of Siam. His reign was largely peaceful, devoid of major conflicts. His reign was known as the "Golden Age of Rattanakosin Literature" as Buddha Loetla Nabhalai was patron to a number of poets in his court and the King himself was a renowned poet and artist. The most notable poet in his employ was the illustrious Sunthorn Phu, the author of Phra Aphai Mani.
During King Rama II's reign of sixteen years, the country was in peace and free from wars. He therefore had enough time to enrich the country in arts, literature and architecture. Especially, the literature during his reign was in its maximum growth and considered as standard example either poetry or plays which were improved both in words and melody. He himself wrote many literary works. The most important of his work was “Inao” because many poems from this play were later applied by Thai singers and musicians in their songs.
Rama II was a skilled composer and musician, he was also a renowned poet and writer and patron to a number of poets in his court. His reign is therefore known as the ‘Golden Age of Rattanakosin Literature'.