Camadevi

Camadevi (also spelt Jamadevi, ; ; , ; , ; 7th-century – 8th-century) was the first monarch and queen of Haripuñjaya, which was an ancient Mon kingdom in present-day Northern Thailand before it was conquered by the Kingdom of Lan Na.

Most records of Camadevi mention her life period differently. For example: Chinnakanmalipakon said that she reigned in 662 for 7 years; Manit Wallipodom's research mentioned that she was born in 623, reigned in 662 for 17 years and died in 715 at the age of 92; and the legend of Camadevi, translated and edited by Suttavari Suwannapat, mentioned that she was born in 633, reigned from 659 up to 688 and died in 731. However, the story was recorded differently in the Legend of Cāmadevivaṃsa. It was written that Prince Ramrat was ordained at that time. Since her husband was not with her, the invitation was sent from Haripuñjaya, asking her to be in charge. According to the mythology, she accepted the offer because the citizens were in trouble and that the city needed a leader. She also wanted to repay Suthewa Rusi for his kindness for raising her when she was young. They also hold that the chronicle dating is not supported by the archaeology, noting that one chronicle places the migration from Lavo in 663 while the material evidence favours the 11th or 12th century.