Yet another Bukit Choras story

From yesterday's online version of New Straits Times (26 June 2024), the continuing story about the Bukit Choras archaeological discoveries:

USM researchers unearth life-size Buddha figure at Bukit Choras temple

By Audrey Dermawan - June 26, 2024 @ 4:47pm 

GEORGE TOWN: After successfully discovering the largest Buddhist temple structure in Bukit Choras, Yan, Kedah, dating back 1,200 years last year, researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) have made yet another significant discovery.

This time, they have uncovered an archaeological relic in the form of a near-complete life-size Buddha figure inside the temple, located to the north of Gunung Jerai in Kedah. The Buddha figure was found in a meditative position.

Researchers from the Global Archaeological Research Centre (PPAG), led by Dr Nasha Rodziadi Khaw, are working to salvage two other relics discovered at the site. These are also believed to be Buddha figures but are in pieces and missing their heads. A fourth relic is thought to be hidden within the temple structure.

According to Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry (Motac) Secretary-General Datuk Roslan Abdul Rahman, the exciting aspect of this discovery is that it is even older compared to the Borobudur temple in Indonesia and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. He noted that the relics here are believed to date back to the 7th or 8th century AD, while the one in Indonesia is from the 9th century and in Cambodia from the early 12th century.

The phase III archaeological research, a collaboration between the National Heritage Department and USM, took place from April 21 to May 21 this year. It also uncovered several other artefacts highly significant and important to Malaysia.

"We are certainly very excited about this latest discovery, which is highly significant and important to the country. As a safety measure and for further investigation, the relics have been removed from the Bukit Choras site and temporarily placed in the laboratory of PPAG USM for meticulous conservation work. Once more details are available about the discoveries, we will make them public," he told newsmen after a visit to PPAG, USM, today to view the relics.

Elaborating, Roslan said phase III of the archaeological research also revealed structural elements on the northern and western walls, clearly displaying the main structure of the unique Bukit Choras temple. Additionally, stratigraphic studies, contour mapping, and more detailed documentation were conducted on the temple structure and the laterite blocks found.

"And an important discovery at the site is the human-sized Buddha figure made of stucco, a type of plaster mix of lime, water, and sand, found on the northern wall of the temple. Unlike statues found during phases I and II, this Buddha figure was found complete with its head, featuring iconographic characteristics such as robes, facial expression, and attire, which is clearly visible. Furthermore, a Sanskrit inscription carved on stone and fragments of earthenware were also found.

"Comparative studies between this newly discovered Buddha figure and others, especially from the Indian, Indochinese, and Malay Archipelago civilisations, can provide valuable insights into the ancient society of Kedah Tua (ancient Kingdom of Kedah), particularly in terms of religious, cultural, and artistic-technological connections with the outside world. The discovery of another Sanskrit inscription underscores the significance of Bukit Choras as an important religious site," he added.

In total, up to phase III of the archaeological research, three Sanskrit inscriptions have been found at Bukit Choras. The content of these inscriptions includes "sagaramatipariprocha" mantras (narratives about Buddhist religious doctrines closely related to emptiness, causality, and attributes attributed to Buddha), similar to the content of inscriptions found in phase I.

Roslan said the latest discoveries at the Bukit Choras archaeological site certainly open up new interpretations regarding the geostrategic position of Kedah Tua as a significant city in the maritime trade routes of Southeast Asia.

And this report was from yesterday's online edition of The Star newspaper (26 June 2024):

QuickCheck: Is a recently-discovered religious statue in Kedah older than Angkor Wat?

TRUE OR NOT

Wednesday, 26 Jun 2024

6:32 PM MYT

ANGKOR WAT in Cambodia and Borobudur in Indonesia are known the world over as some of the most culturally significant and oldest sites of civilisation in Southeast Asia.

As such, any discovery that pre-dates the emergence of either would be both historically and culturally significant.

It was claimed recently that a Buddha statue found in Kedah actually predates both Borobudur and Angkor Wat. Is this true?

Yes, this is in fact true as a Buddha statue dating back to the Eighth or Ninth Century was found in the Bukit Choras Archaeological Heritage Site in Yan, Kedah

Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry secretary-general Datuk Roslan Abdul Rahman said this discovery by a research team from the Global Archaeological Research Centre (PPAG), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is an archaeology tourism asset and attraction for tourists to Kedah.

He added that an exhibition will be held after USM completes a thorough study of the relic.

"We have not decided whether such discoveries will be exhibited at a selected museum or if Bukit Choras will be developed as a new archaeotourism product," said Roslan.

"The discovery is older than Angkor Wat and Borobudur. This is interesting for us,” he added at a press conference on the discovery held at the PPAG, USM here on Wednesday (June 26).

He said the local research team led by Dr Nasha Rodziadi Khaw involved collaboration between the National Heritage Department (JWN) and USM.

Roslan then added that this research had been ongoing from April 21 to May 21 this year.

Astro Awani carried this story from Bernama too (26 June 2024):

Arca Buddha di Bukit Choras, Kedah lebih tua dari Angkor Wat 

26/06/2024 17:30 MYT

GEORGE TOWN: Penemuan arca Buddha berbentuk manusia dari abad kelapan hingga kesembilan di kawasan Tapak Warisan Arkeologi Bukit Choras, Yan, Kedah menunjukkan kawasan itu sebagai tapak keagamaan yang penting pada ketika itu dan lebih tua berbanding Angkor Wat di Kemboja dan Borobudur di Indonesia.

Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Datuk Roslan Abdul Rahman berkata penemuan oleh pasukan penyelidik Pusat Penyelidikan Arkeologi Global (PPAG), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) itu menjadi aset arkeopelancongan dan tarikan kepada pelancong untuk datang ke Kedah.

"Kita akan buat pameran tidak lama lagi apabila pihak USM sudah membuat kajian yang lengkap terhadap relik itu dan kami juga belum membuat keputusan sama ada jumpaan-jumpaan ini akan dipamerkan di muzium terpilih atau membangunkan Bukit Choras sebagai produk arkeopelancongan baharu seperti yang dibuat di Kemboja dan Indonesia.

"Yang kita jumpa adalah lebih tua daripada Angkor Wat dan Borobudur. Itu yang menarik buat kami," katanya pada sidang media berkenaan penemuan itu di PPAG, USM di sini hari ini.

Beliau berkata penyelidikan dari 21 April hingga 21 Mei lepas oleh pasukan penyelidik tempatan diketuai Nasha Rodziadi Khaw itu adalah kerjasama antara Jabatan Warisan Negara (JWN) dan USM.

Roslan berkata penyelidikan arkeologi fasa Ill telah mendedahkan struktur binaan pada bahagian dinding utara dan barat hingga memperlihatkan dengan jelas struktur utama candi Bukit Choras yang mempunyai seni bina yang unik.

Beliau berkata penemuan penting di tapak adalah sebuah arca Buddha bersaiz manusia yang diperbuat daripada stuko, iaitu sejenis bahan campuran kapur, air dan pasir yang ditemukan di dinding utara candi itu.

"Berbeza dengan arca yang dijumpai ketika Fasa I dan Fasa ll, arca kali ini lengkap bersama kepalanya dengan ciri-ciri ikonografi seperti jubah, riak wajah, dan pakaian dapat dilihat dengan jelas. Selain itu, turut ditemukan ialah sebuah prasasti Sanskrit yang diukir di atas badan batu serta serpihan tembikar tanah.

"Sebagai langkah keselamatan dan penyelidikan lanjutan, relik itu telah dibawa keluar dari tapak di Bukit Choras dan ditempatkan sementara di makmal PPAG USM bagi kerja-kerja konservasi secara menyeluruh," katanya.

Menurut Roslan setakat penyelidikan Fasa Ill, sebanyak tiga prasasti telah ditemukan di Bukit Choras, dengan prasasti itu mengandungi mantra yang menceritakan tentang doktrin agama Buddha.

Penemuan jumpaan terkini di tapak berkenaan, katanya membuka ruang kepada tafsiran baharu berkaitan kedudukan geostrategik Kedah Tua sebagai sebuah kota penting dalam jalur perdagangan maritim Asia Tenggara.

-- BERNAMA

From yesterday's online Malay Mail news portal (26 June 2024):

Motac: Buddha statue found in Kedah’s Bukit Choras older than Angkor Wat

Wednesday, 26 Jun 2024 10:41 PM MYT

GEORGE TOWN, June 26 — The discovery of a Buddha statue, dating back to the eighth or ninth century, in the Bukit Choras archaeological heritage site in Yan, Kedah shows the significance of the area as an important religious site at that time and older than the Angkot Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur in Indonesia.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry secretary-general Datuk Roslan Abdul Rahman said this discovery by a research team from the Global Archaeological Research Centre (PPAG), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is an archaeology tourism asset and attraction for tourists to Kedah.

“We will hold an exhibition soon after USM completes a thorough study on the relic, and we have not made a decision yet on whether such discoveries will be exhibited at a selected museum or if Bukit Choras will be developed as a new archaeotourism product like as has been done in Cambodia and Indonesia.

“The discovery is older than the Angkor Wat and Borobudur. This is interesting for us,” he said in a press conference on the discovery held at the PPAG, USM here today.

He said the local research team, led by Nasha Rodziadi Khaw, involved a collaboration between the National Heritage Department (JWN) and USM, and this research had been ongoing from April 21 to May 21 this year.

Meanwhile, Roslan said the phase three of the archaeological research revealed a building structure, with its north and west walls evident, clearly showing the main structure of the Bukit Choras temple has a unique architecture.

He said an important discovery at the site was the human-sized Buddha statue made of stucco, which is a mixture of lime, water and sand found at the temple’s north wall.

“Different from the sculptures found during phase I and phase II (of the archeological research), this time a complete statue was found with its head and iconographic features such as robes, facial expressions and clothing clearly visible. In addition, a Sanskrit inscription was found carved on the statue, and fragments of earthen pottery also discovered.

“As a safety measure and to do further research, the relic has been taken out of the Bukit Choras site and temporarily placed in the PPAG USM laboratory for comprehensive conservation work,” he also said.

In total, up till phase 3, as many as three inscriptions had been found at Bukit Choras, where the inscriptions contained Buddhist mantras.

Roslan added that the latest discoveries at the site opened up space for a new interpretation of Kedah Tua civilisation’s geostrategic position as an important place in South-east Asia’s maritime trade route. — Bernama

From The Rakyat Post online portal of 28 June 2024:

Malaysia’s Latest Archaeological Find – A Buddha Statue Older Than Angkor Wat

The complete statue from the Kedah Tua civilization dates back to the eighth or ninth century.

BY KERAN

JUNE 28, 2024

An archaeological find at the Bukit Choras archaeological site in Yan, Kedah, is a significant one. The life-size Buddha statue is said to be older than Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur in Indonesia. The complete statue from the Kedah Tua civilization dates back to the eighth or ninth century. A Sanskrit inscription and earthen pottery fragments were also found.

“The discovery is older than the Angkor Wat and Borobudur. This is interesting for us,” Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry secretary-general Datuk Roslan Abdul Rahman said, as reported by Bernama.

Involved in the discovery were the Global Archaeological Research Centre (PPAG), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and a local team led by Nasha Rodziadi Khaw (chief researcher of the team from the University of Science Malaysia’s Global Archaeology Research Centre (CGAR) ) which is a collaboration between the National Heritage Department (JWN) and USM.

“We will hold an exhibition soon after USM completes a thorough study on the relic, and we have not made a decision yet on whether such discoveries will be exhibited at a selected museum or if Bukit Choras will be developed as a new archaeotourism product like as has been done in Cambodia and Indonesia,” he added.

Pictures of the discovery were also shared by a Twitter user.

The life-size Buddha sculpture was made of stucco, which is a mixture of lime, water and sand found at the temple’s north wall.

The relic has been temporarily placed in the PPAG USM laboratory for conservation work. Up to phase three, three inscriptions containing Buddhist mantras were found at the site.

The latest discoveries provide new insights into the Kedah Tua civilization’s geostrategic position in Southeast Asia’s maritime trade route.

Previous Discoveries

In August last year, a team of 11 researchers found a 1,200-year-old Buddhist stupa at Bukit Choras.

In contrast to the 184 archaeological sites already discovered in the Bujang Valley to the south, the stupa is uniquely situated on the northern side of Gunung Jerai.

Historically a prominent cape, Gunung Jerai served as a crucial navigation landmark for seafaring traders travelling from distant regions such as the Arabian Peninsula.

“We are still not sure of Bukit Choras’s function. It may have been a military garrison or coastal trade outpost, but we need to do further excavation [to assess]. Based on our preliminary findings, it shows plenty of similarities with other sites found in Java and Sumatra, Indonesia,” Nasha said at the time of the discovery, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Two Buddha statues and an inscription in Pallava, a language from the Pallava Dynasty of South India, have also been found at Bukit Choras.

These statues share architectural features with artefacts from the Srivijaya kingdom, which thrived between the 7th and 11th centuries CE.

Bukit Choras

The Bujang Valley discoveries indicate an ancient civilisation known as the “Ancient Kedah Kingdom” or Kerajaan Kedah Tua which flourished between the 2nd and 14th centuries CE.

This kingdom, predating the arrival of Islam, extended along the northwestern coast of the Malay peninsula into Thailand.

Ancient Kedah thrived on international trade and the production of iron and glass beads, becoming a multiethnic and multireligious society.

Nasha noted that traders from China, India, and the Middle East frequented the area, often staying in Kedah during harsh monsoon seasons.

Temples and artefacts in the region exhibit a mix of foreign architectural influences.

The first mention of Bukit Choras dates back to 1850 when it was reported by a British officer and briefly studied by HG Quaritch Wales in 1937.

Despite minor excavations, Wales only reported a squarish stupa, without providing any illustrations or plates. In 1984, the then-director of the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum returned to the site, but it remained undisturbed.

In 2017, Nasha managed to get some funding to kick-start his research on the site. Later he received funding from Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education to conduct proper excavations in 2022.

The team discovered a well-preserved site compared to those found in the Bujang Valley between the 1930s and 1950s, which had deteriorated due to erosion, human activities, and accidental destruction.

The most important discovery was two stucco statues of Buddha in good condition, which were thought to only be found in Java and Sumatra in Indonesia and India at the time.