This thesis discusses the relationship between the royalty and nationalism in the two traditional courts of Southeast Asia, the courts of Thailand and Yogyakarta. It applies a comparative...Show moreThis thesis discusses the relationship between the royalty and nationalism in the two traditional courts of Southeast Asia, the courts of Thailand and Yogyakarta. It applies a comparative-historical method by exploring the characteristics and determinants of historical phenomena in causal processes. The courts of Thailand and Yogyakarta emerged in the 18th century after a series of internal conflicts and ‘outsider’ intervention. The presence of the Dutch in the political affairs of Yogyakarta made the situation different between the two courts, while the court of Thailand is a sovereign power. In regards to the origin of nationalism, this thesis argues that there is a relationship between the establishment of the courts of Thailand and Yogyakarta to the birth of nationalism from the royalty. The origin of nationalism from the court of Thailand can be attributed to the struggle against the Burmese invader in the 18th century. From then on, the matter about sovereignty of Thailand was part of Thai nationalism. In Yogyakarta, the origin of nationalism is attributed to the courts’ subjugation to Dutch colonialism, which fostered an anti-colonial sentiment. Furthermore, based on this comparative study, the characteristic of nationalism from ‘above’ and nationalism from ‘below’ are apparent. In the state of absolute monarchy such as in Thailand, nationalism emerged from above, meaning that it was the product of the absolute king. In the colonized state of Yogyakarta, nationalism emerged from ‘below’. The subordinate position of the Sultan of Yogyakarta and the Pakualam to the Dutch made them unable to promote nationalism centered from the monarchy. Political essence of nationalism from Yogyakarta derived from its educated elites. This thesis also demonstrates that nationalism from ‘below’, or the egalitarian idea of nationalism was the dominant political force. It was able to change the state imposition of nationalism both in Thailand and Yogyakarta during the period 1908 – 1942.Show less
