Mon language on Mya Zedi Inscription (Photo: Bagan.Travel Myanmar)

Since the Mon language was also inscribed on the stone, the MoW’s recognition of the Mya Zedi inscription will improve global awareness and education of the Mon language.

“The standard of Mon language will be enhanced around the world because the Mya Zedi inscription, which was also inscribed by Mon scholars, is recognized as world heritage,” said Nai Maung Toe, the chairman of Mon History Research Association, in an interview with MNA.

Nai Maung Toe continued that the Mon History Research Association is very glad and welcomes the recognition of the Mya Zedi inscription by the MoW.

Nai Maung Toe also added that although the stone inscription is quadri-lingual, namely Pyu, Mon, Burmese and Pali, they were primarily inscribed in two languages. The Pyu section was inscribed in Pyu language, while the Mon, Burmese and Pali were inscribed in Mon language.

“There are some people who want to destroy Mon heritage. Nevertheless, we will safeguard Mon heritage effectively. The Mon History Research Association will also keep working on this matter,” said Sayadaw Thawa Lawontha.

The Mon History Research Association remarked that there are many heritage sites in Pagan but most of them have been destroyed. Therefore, they could not be listed as world heritage. The organization would be grateful if the pagodas founded by Mon king Manu Ha, including Manu Ha Pagoda and Nan Pagoda in Myin Kapar village, in the area of Pagan, were also recognized as world heritage.

According to historians, it was estimated that the Mya Zedi inscription, which is also known as the Yarzakumar Inscription, was engraved in 1113 AD. The relic itself is 5’ 11’’ tall and stands as a four-sided pillar. Each inscribed face of each side is 3’ 6’’ tall and 1’2’’ wide. The inscription has four languages; 41 lines of Pali language, 39 lines of Burmese, 33 lines of Mon and 26 lines of Pyu.

The Mya Zedi stone inscription has been listed by the MoW international register and will be recognized as world heritage.

Last week, a ceremony of setting up logo for MoW’s recognition of Mya Zedi inscription took place at the Mya Zedi Pagoda. Attendees at the ceremony included the Religion and Culture Minister Thura U Aung Ko and representatives from Mandalay Division government.