シップソーンパンナー王国の水利組織について : ツァオロンパーサーッの機能に関して

Abstract

The irrigation systems in the principalities of the Southwestern Tai speakers were controlled by the state, giving rise to what Ishii has called "quasi-hydraulic societies." This paper focuses on the irrigation system of the Sipsong Panna, the Tai-Lue kingdom. The Sipsong Panna consisted of many principalities (moeng), each consisting of many villages (ban). According to the accepted theory, the irrigation systems in the Sipsong Panna had the following characteristics. (1) Big canals in each moeng, which were in charge of irrigation officers (Pan Moeng) chosen from among villagers. (2) Titled Pan Moengs supervised commoner Pan Moengs, and were controlled by Tsaolong Phasat (the interior minister of Tsaophendin, the king). Such systems were in fact seen only in Chiang Hung, the capital area. The big canals were intended principally for irrigating the fields of Tsaophendin and his officers. These fields were cultivated by people with the status of Lek Noi, who were in the service of Tsaophendin, and most of the titled Pan Moengs were chosen from among Lek Noi. Tsaolong Phasat, who worked for the Court of Tsaophendin, supervised Lek Noi and controlled the royal finances. Therefore, he was concerned with the irrigation systems. However, he did not have supreme responsibility for irrigation, which was actually controlled by the royal council (Sanam). In other moengs, most fields belonged to independent farmers, which is why irrigation systems such as those in Chiang Hung were not neccesary. In conclusion, we can say that the power of Tsaophendin in its economic aspect was limited.