Kedah Buddha Statue Discovery Provides New Insights

via Malaysia Sun, 09 July 2024: The 7th-century Buddha statue was discovered at the Bukit Choras Archaeological Heritage Site in Kedah offers valuable insights into ancient Kedah’s religious and cultural history. Found by USM’s Centre for Global Archaeological Research, the statue enhances understanding of the region’s historical significance and connections to broader Southeast Asian trade and cultural exchanges.

“The discovery enhances our understanding of ancient Kedah civilisation and its historical context within Southeast Asia,” he said, adding that it reveals the area’s historical importance as a religious site during that period.

He said the excavation was conducted between Aug 28 and Sept 12 in 2023 and unveiled an intact structure, a well-preserved and complete Buddha statue, inscriptions, a votive tablet offered in fulfilment of a vow and other smaller objects.

He also said the discovery of the largest Buddhist temple structure in Bukit Choras dates back to the 12th century and unlike the 184 archaeological sites identified in the Bujang Valley to the south, the stupa at Bukit Choras is isolated on the northern side of Mount Jerai.

Source: Buddha statue find offers insights into ancient Kedah