The first time we heard it, we found it more a legend than something plausible, nevertheless, after having found new and reliable historical references, we have to say that this is amazing and full of clarity… if it truly happened like this.
In times before the consolidation of Sukhothai as a mighty kingdom, the power was distributed among several principalities. In that context, sieges were often carried out from some small towns to others.
And then the following happened, more than once.
In the year 1043 Lopburi was besieged when the situation became very delicate, close to capitulating, when the Lord of Lopburi came up with a deal to his enemies: Why not settle the dispute through a stupa building contest instead of a bloody fight? Much better, of course.
What is extraordinary is that his enemy accepted the challenge and both armies got to work to find out which was more skilled in this task. They should build a stupa of 15 wa (30 meters) of high by also 15 wa of width… Amazing!
Unfortunately, we could not know who won the match.
Nor did we find any explanation of how such a surprising proposal could succeed.
But taking into account that the construction of stupas is considered an act of great merit in itself, who were able to build the best one, perhaps gained more moral legitimacy in defending their aspirations. It’s just a guess.