Ancient inscribed stones that could further the study of Arakan literature and culture were found during excavations to build a jetty in Kyauktaw Town, Arakan (Rakhine) State, said Thu Mrat (Maha Aung Myae) an Arakanese history researcher.
The stone tablets, which were found on 13 August 2015 are rectangular, four feet high with inscriptions on one side. On some of the tablets the inscribed faces have been damaged and the inscriptions are not visible.
Maha Aung Myae said that the inscriptions were probably from the era of Mauk Oo. The inscriptions include text and pictures of Buddha images, slaves, buffaloes and other animals. Similar inscribed stone tablets are often found in different regions of Arakan State.
He believes that the tablets will prove helpful to those studying Arakanese literature and culture. He was upset that, due to the lack of any laws preserving archaeological finds in Arakan State, other similar stone tablets had already been sold on the black market.
Speaking to Narinjara News Maha Aung Myae said the inscriptions showed that Arakanese people have continuously practiced Theravada Buddhism for a long time. He also called for all ancient ruins and archaeological finds in Arakan State to be scientifically preserved for the benefit of future generations.
Edited in English by Mark Inkey for BNI
