Thailand: King Mongkut (Rama IV) of Siam with his chief queen and the royal children, c.1875

Thailand: King Mongkut (Rama IV) of Siam with his chief queen and the royal children, c.1875

Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramenthramaha Mongkut Phra Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua, or Rama IV, better known as King Mongkut (18 October 1804 – 1 October 1868), was the fourth monarch of Siam (Thailand) under the House of Chakri, ruling from 1851-1868. He was one of the most revered monarchs of the country. During his reign, the pressure of Western expansionism was felt for the first time in Siam. Mongkut embraced Western innovations and initiated the modernization of Siam, both in technology and culture—earning him the nickname 'The Father of Science and Technology' in Siam. Mongkut was also known for his appointment of his brother, Prince Chutamani, as vice-king. Prince Chutamani was crowned in 1851 as King Pinklao. Mongkut himself assured the country that Pinklao should be respected with equal honor to himself. Mongkut's reign was also the time when the power of the House of Bunnag reached its zenith and became the most powerful noble family of Siam.

Album / Pictures From History/Universal Images Group

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38.1 x 32.7 cm | 15.0 x 12.9 in (300 dpi)