1. Student's full name:Soudaphone KHAMPHOUVONG
2. Gender:Female
3. Date of birth: 08/08/1987
4. Place of birth:Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
5. Decision to recognize student number:3556/QD-XHNV November 30, 2022 of the President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
6. Changes in the training process:According to Decision No. 6097/QD-XHNV on extending the study period of graduate students of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
Training form: Full-time, Time from: December 1, 2024 to May 30, 2025.
7. Thesis topic: "That Luang Pagoda relic (Vientiane, Lao PDR)".
8. Major:Archaeology; Code: 8229010.01
9. Scientific instructor:Dr. Nguyen Huu Manh, Faculty of History, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
10. Summary of the results of the thesis:The main results of the thesis include:
The thesis focused on studying the historical context of the formation and development of That Luang Pagoda, one of the important cultural symbols of Vientiane, Lao PDR. Through the analysis of historical and archaeological documents, the thesis clarified the construction process and role of That Luang Pagoda in different historical periods, especially during the Lan Xang Kingdom period. The role of the relic in the Buddhist religious life of the Lao people, at the same time, affirmed the symbolic meaning of That Luang as a national cultural heritage, closely associated with the Lao national identity.
An important part of the thesis is a detailed analysis of the architecture and art of That Luang pagoda:
- Describe and analyze the overall spatial layout of the relic, including the main tower, sub-towers, temple yard area and auxiliary works.
- Research on the unique architectural style of That Luang stupa, combining Lao indigenous architectural art and influences from regional cultures, especially India and Khmer. Through the study of That Luang, the thesis has provided additional materials and new perspectives on cultural exchange and the development of Buddhist architecture in the region.
- Analyze the motifs, reliefs and decorative patterns on the tower, thereby clarifying the symbolic meaning and aesthetic value of these artistic elements.
- The thesis compared and contrasted the That Luang Pagoda relic with similar relics in the area, thereby making scientific assessments of the role and position of the That Luang Pagoda relic in the regional archaeological system:
Based on the research results, the thesis has made a number of specific proposals to preserve and promote the value of the That Luong pagoda relic. Propose measures to preserve the architecture and art of the tower, especially to prevent degradation due to the effects of time and the environment. Develop programs to promote the cultural and historical values of the relic through cultural tourism activities, traditional festivals and community education.
11. Practical application:Regarding the topic “THAT LUONG PAGODA (VIENTIANE, LAOS)” by Laotian students studying abroad in Hanoi, the student hopes that the results of this thesis will contribute to the understanding of the formation and structure of That Luong pagoda of Lao people abroad. Thereby, contributing to improving the knowledge and understanding of the Laotian student community in Vietnam in general and Laotian students studying abroad in Hanoi in particular, contributing to strengthening the relationship between Vietnam and Laos. At the same time, introducing the typical traditional features of Laos to the world.
12. Further research directions: Research on Lao Cultural Heritage Management.
13. Published works related to the thesis:
INFORMATION ON MASTER'S THESIS
1. Full name:Soudaphone KHAMPHOUVONG
2. Sex:Female
3. Date of birth: 08/08/1987
4. Place of birth:Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
5. Admission decision number:No. 3556/QD-XHNV dated November 30, 2022, issued by the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
6. Changes in academic process:According to the Decision on the extension of study time for the master's student No. 6097/QD-XHNV issued by the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
7. Official thesis title: “The That Luang Stupa Complex (Vientiane, Lao PDR)”
8. Major:Archeology; Code: 8229010.01
9. Supervisors:Dr. Nguyen Huu Manh, Faculty of History, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
10. Summary of the findings of the thesis:The thesis focuses on studying the historical context of the formation and development of the That Luang stupa complex, one of the most important cultural symbols of Vientiane, Lao PDR. By analyzing historical and archaeological documents, the thesis clarifies the construction process and the role of the That Luang stupa in different historical periods, especially during the Lan Xang Kingdom. It emphasizes the importance of the site in the Buddhist religious life of the Lao people and affirms the symbolic significance of That Luang as a national cultural heritage closely linked to the identity of the Lao nation.
A significant part of the thesis is a detailed analysis of the architecture and art of the That Luang stupa:
- Describing and analyzing the overall spatial layout of the site, including the main stupa, auxiliary stupas, the courtyard, and other supporting structures.
- Researching the unique architectural style of the That Luang stupa, which combines indigenous Lao architectural art with influences from regional cultures, particularly Indian and Khmer. Through the study of That Luang, the thesis provides additional materials and perspectives on the cultural exchange and development of Buddhist architecture in the region.
- Analyzing the patterns, reliefs, and decorative motifs on the stupa to clarify the symbolic meanings and aesthetic values of these artistic elements.
- Comparing and contrasting the That Luang stupa with similar sites in the region, the thesis offers scientific evaluations of the role and position of the That Luang stupa within the regional archaeological system.
Based on the research results, the thesis proposes specific measures to preserve and promote the value of the That Luang stupa complex:
Proposing preservation measures for the architecture and art of the stupa, particularly addressing deterioration caused by time and environmental factors. Developing programs to promote the cultural and historical value of the site through cultural tourism activities, traditional festivals, and community education.
11. Practical applications:For the thesis “The That Luang Stupa Complex (Vientiane, Lao PDR)” by a Lao international student in Hanoi, the student hopes that the results of this thesis will contribute to understanding the formation and structure of the That Luang stupa among Lao people abroad. This, in turn, will enhance knowledge about the Lao student community in Vietnam in general and in Hanoi in particular, thereby strengthening the Vietnam–Laos relationship. Additionally, it introduces the unique traditional features of Laos to the world.
12. Further research directions:Research on the management of Lao cultural heritage.
13. Publications:
