Editing Muang Phuan

{{Short description|Former historical principality of the Xiang Khouang Plateau}}
{{Infobox country
|native_name      = ເມືອງພວນ ([[Lao language|Lao]])<br>เมืองพวน ([[Thai language|Thai]])<br>''Mueang Phuan''
|conventional_long_name = Principality of Phuan
|common_name      = Muang Phuan
|image_map        = Laos - Division territòriala vèrs 1750 (vuege).png
|era              =  
|status           = Independent principality (13th-14th century) <br> Autonomous principality (14th century–1791) <br> Principality under the [[Kingdom of Vientiane]] (1802–1828) <br> [[Nguyễn dynasty]] province (1828–1848) <br> Vassal to Siam (1848–1893) <br> Protectorate of [[France]] (1893–1899)
|map_caption =Muang Phuan in bronze, between [[Kingdom of Luang Prabang|Luang Prabang]] to the north and [[Kingdom of Vientiane|Vientiane]] to the south, with [[Dai Viet]] to the east
|event_start      = Established
|year_start       = 13th century
|event_end        = [[French Protectorate of Laos|French Protectorate]]
|year_end         = 1893
|event_post       = [[French Indochina|Autonomy ended]]
|date_post        = 1899
|p1               = Kingdom of Lan Xang
|s1               = French Protectorate of Laos
|flag_s1          = Flag of Laos (1893–1952).svg
|capital          = [[Khoune District|Muang Phuan]]
|common_languages = [[Lao language|Lao]]
|religion         = [[Buddhism]]
|government_type  = Monarchy
| leader1                = [[Kham Sanh]]
| year_leader1           = 1651–1688
| leader2                = [[Kham Ngon]] (last)
| year_leader2           = 1880–1899
| title_leader           = King
|currency         = [[Lat (currency)|Lat]], [[Lat (currency)#Hoi coins|Hoi]]
|today            = [[Laos]]<br>[[Vietnam]]
}}
{{History of Laos}}

'''Muang Phuan''' ({{langx|lo|ເມືອງພວນ}}, {{IPA|lo|mɯ́aŋ pʰúan|pron}}; {{langx|th|เมืองพวน}}; Country of Phuan) or '''Xieng Khouang''' ({{langx|lo|ຊຽງຂວາງ}}, {{IPA|lo|síaŋ kʰwǎːŋ|pron}}; {{langx|th|เชียงขวาง}}), also known historically to the Vietnamese as '''Trấn Ninh''' ([[chữ Hán]]: 鎮寧; lit. "securement of peace"), was a historical [[principality]] on the [[Xiangkhoang Plateau|Xiang Khouang Plateau]], which constitutes the modern territory of [[Xiangkhouang Province]], [[Laos]].

==Background==
The [[Xiangkhouang Plateau|Xiang Khouang Plateau]] is semi-arid but has important iron ore resources and has been inhabited since the [[Bronze Age]] (the [[Plain of Jars]] is an important [[UNESCO]] archeological site). The region is an important area for trade as it occupies the major passes along the [[Annamite Cordillera]] to access [[Vietnam]] and the coast.

==History==
The [[Tai peoples|Tai]] [[Phuan people|Phuan]] or [[Phuan people]] are a [[Theravada|Theravada Buddhist]] [[Lao people|Tai-Lao]] ethnic group that migrated to the area that is now [[Laos]] during the 13th century.<!--To add: where did they come from before that?--> According to legend, the [[Phuan people]] were led by Chet Chuong, the second son of [[Khun Borom]] who founded the city-state of Muang Phuan. In the mid-14th century Muang Phuan was incorporated into the [[Lan Xang|Lan Xang Kingdom]] under King [[Fa Ngum]]. Under the [[Mandala (Southeast Asian political model)|Mandala model]], cities or even kingdoms would enter into tributary relationships with their neighbors depending on regional power; in exchange the tribute would maintain local autonomy. It was not uncommon to pay tribute to more than one power even concurrently. In 1434, Muang Phuan entered into a tributary relationship with the [[Dai Viet]]. However, by 1478 the [[Dai Viet]] attempted to annex Muang Phuan as a prefecture, which contributed to war between [[Lan Xang]] and the [[Dai Viet]]. The [[Dai Viet]] army ultimately withdrew during that conflict, and Muang Phuan returned as a tributary to [[Lan Xang]]. However, the peace was short-lived and by 1531 Muang Phuan rebelled against King [[Photisarath]] who put down the rebellion after two years. Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, Muang Phuan remained part of [[Lan Xang]].

During the 16th century, expressive Buddhist art and architecture flourished. The capital was dotted with temples in a distinct Xieng Khouang style, i.e., simple low roofs with a characteristic ‘waist’ at the foundation. In 1930, Le Boulanger described it as ‘a large and beautiful city protected by wide moats and forts occupying the surrounding hills and the opulence of the sixty-two pagodas and their stupas, of which the flanks concealed treasures, obtained the capital a fame that spread fear wide and far.” In 1707 when [[Lan Xang]] was divided between the Kingdoms of [[Kingdom of Vientiane|Vientiane]] and [[Kingdom of Luang Prabang|Luang Prabang]], Muang Phuan entered into tributary relations with the [[Kingdom of Luang Prabang]].
[[File:WatPiawat.JPG|thumbnail|right|Ruins of [[Wat Phia Wat]], [[Khoune District]] ]]
[[File:Ancient stupa, Muang Khoung Kingdom.jpg|thumbnail|right|Ruins of a stupa, [[Khoune District]] ]]
By the 1720s Muang Phuan was supporting the [[Kingdom of Luang Prabang]] in wars against the [[Toungoo Empire|Burmese]], and [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siamese]]. Under Chao Kham Sattha again, Muang Phuan went to war against the Governor of [[Thakhek]], a tributary to the [[Kingdom of Vientiane]]. In 1751 Chao Ong Lo went so far as to directly attack the [[Kingdom of Vientiane]] and was totally defeated, retreating to Houa Phan (today [[Sam Neua]]) where he began to raise another army. The [[Kingdom of Vientiane]] named Chao Ong Lo's brother Ong Bun as regional governor of Muang Phuan. The armies of Muang Phuan split between the brothers in civil war, and ultimately Chao Ong Lo prevailed. However, the conflict drained the region so much so that for the next 37 years Muang Phuan remained a tributary to [[Vientiane]].

In 1779 the [[Kingdom of Vientiane]] was captured by the [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siamese]] led by General [[Taksin]], Muang Phuan as a tributary of [[Kingdom of Vientiane|Vientiane]] became a [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siamese]] vassal state while maintaining tributary relations with [[Dai Viet]]. [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siam]] was severely depopulated from the history of warfare with the [[Toungoo Empire|Burmese]] in the 18th century, and the destruction of [[Ayutthaya (city)|Ayutthaya]] in 1767. To exert greater control of the lands and people of Muang Phuan, the [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siamese]] launched the first of several forced migration campaigns to resettle large parts of the [[Phuan people|Phuan]] population to regions under firm [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siamese]] control. Chao Somphou, the son of Chao Ong Lo, set about restoring and rebuilding the temples and defenses of Muang Phuan. According to some accounts, his palace grew to rival that of the King of [[Vientiane]]. In 1789 or 1790, King Nanthasen of [[Vientiane]] believed rebellion was possible and sent an army to capture Muang Phuan. Chao Somphou fled to Houaphanh, King Nanthasen continued north to capture [[Luang Prabang]] in 1792. In 1793 Chao Somphou was captured by King Nanthasen and imprisoned in [[Vientiane]]. Muang Phuan appealed to the [[Dai Viet]], and a combined force of 6,000 [[Phuan people|Phuan]] and [[Vietnamese people|Vietnamese]] crossed into [[Xieng Khouang Province|Xiengkhouang]] and began to march toward [[Vientiane]]. King Nanthasen, not wanting to create a wider conflict, negotiated an arrangement where Muang Phuan would pay equal tribute to the Kingdoms of [[Kingdom of Vientiane|Vientiane]] and the [[Dai Viet]] in exchange for the release of Chao Somphou. Chao Somphou returned to Muang Phuan where he began another building campaign. By 1800, King Inthavong of [[Vientiane]] feared a resurgence of power in Muang Phuan, and sent his brother Chao [[Anouvong]] to capture Chao Somphou. Chao Somphou died as a prisoner in [[Vientiane]] around 1803.

Chao Somphou's nephew [[Chao Noy]] took control of Muang Phuan in 1803. He was an authoritarian ruler who increased taxes to augment his palace and the military. In 1814, he violently suppressed a [[Khmu people|Khmu]] rebellion. In 1823, he was accused by a half-brother of seeking independence, and was summoned to [[Vientiane]] under the guise of answering for his actions during 1814. King Inthavong imprisoned Chao Noy for three years. On the death of his brother King [[Anouvong]] of [[Kingdom of Vientiane|Vientiane]], allowed Chao Noy to return to Muang Phuan where he sought a tributary relationship with the [[Dai Viet]] Emperor [[Minh Mạng|Minh Mang]]. Whether [[Anouvong|Anouvong's]] actions were part of a wider plot to rebel against the [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siamese]] is controversial, what is clear is that ultimately [[Anouvong]] did rebel and sought to draw all the [[Lao people|Lao]] lands together in opposition to [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siam]]. The [[Lao rebellion (1826–1828)|Lao rebellion of 1826–1828]] ultimately failed, and Chao Noy handed over the fleeing King [[Anouvong]] to the [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siamese]]. As King [[Anouvong]] was also a tributary to the [[Dai Viet]], Emperor [[Minh Mạng|Minh Mang]] summoned Chao Noy in 1831 and had him executed for having acted without consultation.

In 1832 the [[Dai Viet]] annexed Muang Phuan and named the region ''Tran Ninh'' meaning “To Keep the Peace” and imposed [[Vietnam]]ese taxes, culture and dress on the population. Under the guise of protecting the [[Tai peoples]] in Muang Phuan, a [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siamese]] garrison of 1,000 invaded and killed the [[Vietnam]]ese officials. The [[Thai people|Thais]] then began a second [[Depopulation of Muang Phuan|population transfer]], moving several thousand Muang Phuan. Several hundred tried to escape and return to Muang Phuan but were caught by the [[Vietnam]]ese and committed suicide. Disease and harsh treatment killed a number of the families that stayed with the [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siamese]], and left only around a thousand to be resettled around [[Bangkok]]. In late 1831, [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siam]] and [[Vietnam]] had a series of wars ([[Siamese–Vietnamese War (1831–34)|Siamese-Vietnamese War 1831–1834]], and [[Siamese–Vietnamese War (1841–45)|Siamese-Vietnamese War 1841–1845]]) over control of [[Cambodia]], and the [[Xieng Khouang Province|Xieng Khouang]] region came under heavy [[Vietnam]]ese presence. During this period, Chao Po (son of Chao Noy) was allowed to return to Muang Phuan. In the 1850s [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siam]] agitated a rebellion against the [[Vietnam]]ese, and Muang Phuan came under [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siamese]] suzerainty.

Beginning in the 1840s the [[China|Chinese]] sought to expand their military control and tax system over the hill peoples in southern [[China]]. [[Lao Sung]] people including the [[Hmong people|Hmong]] and [[Miao people|Meo]] began to move into the mountainous uplands of [[Xieng Khouang Province|Xieng khouang]]. The migration of these first peoples was relatively peaceful, as the peoples preferred to maintain their own communities in the upland territories which were not farmed by the [[Lao Theung]] or [[Lao Loum]] in the area. By the 1860s, the failed [[Taiping Rebellion]] in [[China]] created a flood of new refugees along with marauders organized into gangs identified by the design of their flags including the Red, Yellow, [[Black Flag Army|Black]] and Striped. The gangs looted, burned, and warred in the areas of northern [[Laos]] and [[Xieng Khouang Province|Xieng Khouang]]. The capital of Muang Phuan was looted and destroyed repeatedly by warring bands of [[Haw wars|Haw]] or Ho pirates. Due to the instability, the [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siamese]] conducted a series of military campaigns known as the [[Haw Wars]] in the region. The [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siamese]] were unsuccessful at restoring order, and used the opportunity for more forced population transfers in 1875–1876. These deportations were recorded by a British observer in 1876.

{{quotation| The captives were hurried mercilessly along, many weighted by burdens strapped to their backs, the men, who had no wives or children with them and were therefore capable of attempting escape, were tied together by a rope pursed through a sort of wooden collar. Those men who had their families with them were allowed the free use of their limbs. Great numbers died from sickness, starvation and exhaustion on the road. The sick, when they became too weak to struggle on, were left behind. If a house happened to be near, the sick man or woman was left with the people in the house. If no house was at hand which must have been oftener the case in the wild country they were traversing, the sufferer was flung down to die miserably in the jungle. Any of his or her companions attempting to stop to assist the poor creatures were driven on with blows ... Fever and dysentery were still at work among them and many more will probably die. Already, I was told, more than half of the original 5,700 so treacherously seized are dead."<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Grabowsky|first1=Volker|title=Forced Resettlement Campaigns in Northern Thailand During the Early Bangkok Period|journal=Journal of the Siam Society|date=1999|volume=87|issue=1|page=58|url=https://thesiamsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/1999/03/JSS_087_0g_Grabowsky_ForecedResettlementCampaignsInNThailand.pdf}}</ref>}}

[[File:Soldier Black-Flag.jpg|thumb|right|Black Flag soldier, c.1885]]
[[File:Plainofjars 1.jpg|thumb|right|Plain of Jars, Hmong girls]]

The instability caused by the [[Black Flag Army|Haw]] engulfed the territories of [[Tonkin]] and [[Annam (French protectorate)|Annam]], which were possessed by the [[France|French]] in the 1880s. The [[French colonial empire|French]] were aware that [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siamese]] control of territory was weak. In 1889, [[Auguste Pavie]] produced letters from King Mantha Tourath of [[Kingdom of Luang Prabang|Luang Prabang]] seeking vassalage with Emperor [[Minh Mạng|Minh Mang]] from the period of the 1830s, and presented them to [[Bangkok]] as evidence for the [[French colonial empire|French]] right to extend a protectorate to [[Xieng Khouang Province|Xieng Khouang]] and [[Luang Prabang]]. Under the terms of the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1893, Muang Phuan came under [[French colonial empire|French]] colonial protection. In 1899, the Phuan regions lost autonomy and became part of the [[French Protectorate of Laos]] in [[French Indochina]].

==Monarchs of Muang Phuan==
{{main|List of monarchs of Laos}}
* [[Kham Sanh]] (1651–1688, [[Xieng Khouang Province|Xieng Khouang]] Provincial Governor in [[Lan Xang]])
* [[Kam Lan]] (1688–1700, son of Kham Sanh)
* [[Kham Sattha]] (1723–1751, grandson of Kam Lan, tributary to [[Đại Việt|Vietnam]], [[Kingdom of Luang Prabang|Luang Prabang]], and [[Kingdom of Vientiane|Vientiane]])
* [[Ong Lo (Muang Phuan)|Ong Lo]] (1751–1779)
* [[Somphou (Muang Phuan)|Somphou]] (1779–1803)
* [[Nôy|Noi]] (Southaka Souvanna Koumar) (1803–1831, nephew of Somphou, executed by Emperor [[Minh Mạng]] of [[Vietnam]])
* ''Xiang Khuoang annexed as Tran Ninh province by Vietnam'' (1832)
* Po (1848–1865, son of Noi, vassal to [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siam]] and [[Vietnam]])
* Ung (1866–1876, son of Noi, [[Haw wars|Haw]] pirates invade Xiang Khouang in 1874)
* [[Khanti]] (1876–1880, son of Ung, vassal to [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siam]])
* [[Kham Ngon]] (1880–1899, [[French Protectorate of Laos]] ends autonomy)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{coord missing|Laos}}
{{Laos topics}}

[[Category:History of Laos]]
[[Category:Historical geography of Thailand]]
[[Category:Nguyen dynasty]]
[[Category:1707 establishments in Asia]]
[[Category:18th century in Siam]]
[[Category:19th century in Siam]]
[[Category:Former principalities]]
[[Category:Former countries in Thai history]]