By Agathes Kuma
Kuala Lumpur, Sept 26: Two near-perfect Pallava sculptures and an antique inscription were unearthed during an archaeological dig at the Bukit Choras Archaeological Site in Yan, Malaysia, as reported by The Star.
The National Heritage Department (NHD) and the Centre for Global Archaeological Research (CGAR) of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) led the excavation. In December 2016, the site’s historical significance was officially recognized under the National Heritage Act of 2005.
The discovery dates back to the eighth or ninth century AD, aligning with many temple locations in the Bujang Valley and the Srivijaya Empire’s growth period. Dr. Nasha Rodziadi Khaw, a senior lecturer at USM CGAR, noted that ‘Pallava’ refers to a South Indian dynasty that ruled from the sixth to the ninth century AD and influenced writing systems in most South-East Asian languages.
With its historical significance confirmed, the Bukit Choras Archaeological Site, designated a heritage site in December 2016, has gained official recognition. Initial studies suggest potential cultural connections between Kedah Tua and other South-East Asian sites, as Bukit Choras’s temples’ architecture appears comparable to those in West Java and Sumatra.
The temple’s size is estimated at nine square meters, pending confirmation at 40% excavation completion. Prof. Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, vice-chancellor of USM, affirmed the institution’s commitment to collaborate with the NHD on further excavation work at historical sites, expanding archaeo-tourism offerings, as per The Star.
Source : https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/09/22/ancient-inscription-two-statues-discovered-at-bukit-choras-dig-site-in-kedah
