Post by : Badri Ariffin

Archaeologists in Thailand have discovered two gold rings believed to be around 2,000 years old, including one engraved with an ancient Indian Brahmi inscription. The discovery provides new evidence of early cultural and trade connections between the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

The rings were found during an ongoing excavation at the recently identified Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Thailand's Phetchaburi province. According to Thailand's Fine Arts Department, the jewellery was recovered alongside human skeletal remains.

Experts believe the findings reflect strong Indian influence in the region during the Iron Age, a period when maritime trade between India and Southeast Asia was highly active.

Brahmi Inscription Provides Important Historical Evidence

One of the gold rings, uncovered last week, carries characters written in Brahmi, one of the oldest writing systems used in ancient India.

After an initial examination, experts said the inscription reads "pusarakhitasa," which means "the one protected by Pushya."

According to the Associated Press, Pushya is considered one of the most auspicious zodiac signs in Indian astronomy.

The second gold ring found with the same skeletal remains is plain and does not contain any inscription or decorative design.

Archaeologists Link Burial to Ancient Merchant Community

Based on the design of the jewellery and the Brahmi inscription, archaeologists believe the person buried at the site may have been a merchant connected to the Vaishya community of the ancient Indian caste system.

The discovery is seen as another indication of the historical interaction between India and Southeast Asia through trade and cultural exchange.

Don Yai Thong Site Reveals More Iron Age Treasures

The Don Yai Thong archaeological site is located around 130 kilometres southwest of Bangkok.

The site first came to the attention of archaeologists earlier this year after local residents found fragments of ancient bronze drums while working in a rice field.

The discovery led Thailand's Fine Arts Department to begin a full-scale excavation. Experts have dated the site to Thailand's late prehistoric period, also known as the Iron Age, which spans approximately 1,500 to 2,500 years ago.

Excavation Uncovers Human Skeletons and Valuable Artefacts

Excavation work, which began in February, has so far uncovered eight human skeletons along with a variety of artefacts. These include gold and bronze jewellery, pottery and ceremonial objects.

Officials said the presence of valuable ornaments suggests that the people buried at the site held an important position in society.

The excavation is expected to continue for about another month before the site is closed for detailed analysis. Thailand's Fine Arts Department plans to preserve the artefacts before placing them on public display.

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