Sri Suriyothai

Suriyothai (, , ; Burmese:သူရိယထိုင်း) was a royal queen consort during the 16th century Ayutthaya period of Siam (now Thailand). She is famous for having given up her life in the defense of her husband, King Maha Chakkraphat, in a battle during the Burmese–Siamese War (1547–1549). Name and title Somdet Phra and Sri, pronounced and often transcribed Si, (Tamilised Prakrit சீ 'Si') are her honorifics. Her given name Suriyothai means "dawn". It is a compound of Suriya, from Sanskrit surya सूर्य "sun", through Prakrit derived Tamil word சூரிய (Suriya); plus Uthai from udaya उदय "rising", again Prakrit derived Tamil உதய (Uthaya). Her title Mahathewi is also a similar derivant through Tamil மகா 'Great' (Maha) and தேவி 'Lady' (Thewi). Life Suriyothai was married to Prince Tien when he was regent under King Yodfa's rule. Wishing to remain faithful to Suriothai, Prince Tien entered a monastery to avoid the advances of Si Sudachan, the Queen Mother. Suriyothai was queen during the early part of the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat. In 1548 CE, barely six months into King Maha Chakkraphat's reign, the King of Burma invaded Siam with the intent of sacking the main capital, Ayutthaya.