Bhrngaraja

Bhr̥ṅgarāja (Thai: พังคราช), also known as Pang II of Yonok (พระองค์พังที่ 2 แห่งโยนก), is presented in the chronicles as a legendary 4th-century Tai Yuan monarch of the Singhanavati clan, the ruling lineage of the Yonok Kingdom.^{[1]: 73–88 [2]: 78} He ascended the throne at the age of 18 in 277 SE (355 CE), succeeding his father, Piang,^{[1]: 72–3} which places his birth in 259 SE. Shortly after his accession, however, his reign was disrupted by a rebellion led by Phraya Khom, the vassal ruler of Umongasela. Following his overthrow, Bhr̥ṅgarāja, together with Devi, members of the royal household, nobles, and commoners, fled to Wiang Si Tuang, a Lawa settlement located in the area of the modern Mae Sai district and a tributary polity of Yonok.^{[1]: 73–4 [2]: 78–9} Although he exercised authority there, Bhr̥ṅgarāja was compelled to send annual tribute to Phraya Khom at Yonok.^{[1]: 74 [2]: 79} During this period of exile, he fathered two sons: the elder, Duhkhita,^[1]: 74 and the younger, Phrom.^{[1]: 77 [2]: 82}

The restoration of Bhr̥ṅgarāja to the Yonok throne occurred in 344 SE (397 CE) and is closely associated with the initiative of his younger son, Phrom.^[1]: 88 According to the narrative tradition, Phrom advised his father to cease the payment of tribute to Phraya Khom, an act that precipitated armed conflict. In response, Phraya Khom advanced his forces toward Wiang Si Tuang, prompting Phrom to organize a coalition army drawn from the surrounding settlements. The ensuing confrontation culminated in a decisive victory for Phrom, who defeated Phraya Khom in single combat atop war elephants.^[3] This victory enabled the recapture of the capital and the reinstatement of Bhr̥ṅgarāja as king of Yonok.^{[1]: 81–2 [2]: 85–7} In recognition of his role, Bhr̥ṅgarāja offered Phrom the title of crown prince; however, Phrom declined the honor, and the designation was consequently bestowed upon the elder son, Duhkhita.^[1]: 84

Bhr̥ṅgarāja is said to have continued ruling Yonok until his death in 344 SE.^[1]: 88 Based on the recorded birth date of 259 SE, this chronology would indicate that he died at the age of 86. The legendary tradition, however, alternatively records his age at death as 76.^[1]: 88 This discrepancy has been attributed either to scribal corruption in the transmission of dates or to the coexistence of divergent chronological systems within the textual tradition.^[4]