Hsu / Yoon (NSS) – Jan 20

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, ongoing maintenance is underway on a historic pagoda which provides evidence of presence of Buddhism in the region more than a millennium before King Anawrahta reign.

To mitigate the risk of further decay to the Paung Kuu Kone Ancient Pagoda, which houses archaeological artifacts from the Pyu ancient city predating the Bagan era, responsible personnel are actively engaged in essential conservation efforts to halt its deterioration. Furthermore, situated on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River, the pagoda has experienced erosion in various sections. As a preventive measure, earthen retaining walls have been constructed to safeguard the ancient pagoda from further erosion. 

Director Kyaw Myo Win from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, specifically the Bagan Branch Department, informed NSS, "We have erected a retaining wall to prevent further erosion of the pagoda. Our conservation efforts aim to facilitate researchers in conducting essential analyses and studies on the bricks and other artifacts within the pagoda. Due to the erosion caused by the Ayeyarwady River, the pagoda has lost half of its original structure. Nonetheless, we are dedicated to conserving the remaining portion by constructing multi-layered retaining walls, recognizing the irreplaceable ancient archaeological value it holds."

A brick fragment from the aforementioned Paung Kuu Kone Pagoda underwent Thermoluminescence dating (TL dating) at the laboratory of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum in Pyay. The analysis revealed that its lifespan began in AD 400, indicating that the pagoda was constructed along the Ayeyarwady River during the Pyu city-states period, over 1000 years before the Bagan era.

He continued saying “This excavated hill dates back to the Pyu Era, over a thousand years ago. Excavations reveal evidence of Buddhism flourishing here for even longer, exceeding 1,500 years. Along the Ayeyarwady River, pagodas and stupas constructed during the Pyu Era, predating the Bagan period, stand as silent witnesses to this rich history. These findings challenge the common misconception that Buddhism arrived with the Bagan era, demonstrating instead its vibrant presence in this land for a millennium before."

Excavations at the Paung Kuu Kone Ancient Pagoda reveal tantalizing clues about its original form. Research suggests the pagoda was once a circular structure, with a foundation similar to the iconic Bawbawgyi stupa. Bawbawgyi, the best-preserved ruin of the ancient Pyu kingdom of Sri Ksetra, stands as a testament to the architectural edifice of this lost civilization. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014, this majestic stupa offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Sri Ksetra, which flourished between the 1st and 9th centuries AD.

Among the bricks excavated from that pagoda, some of the archaeological evidence bears resemblance to the Pyu ancient era, and there are also inscriptions written on these bricks.