New archeological discovery of a temple offers hope amidst loss in Kedah's Bujang Valley

IN a bittersweet twist of fate, Malaysia’s archaeological landscape has witnessed both loss and discovery. There was the tragedy of the destruction of the ancient Bujang Valley temple in Kedah in 2013, and now there’s a beacon of hope with the recent unearthing of a new temple in Bukit Choras, Kedah, by a team of researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) headed by Dr Nasha Rodziadi Khaw.

The new find stands as a testament to our rich history and as a symbol of resilience, offering a chance for redemption and renewed commitment to preserving Malaysia’s cultural heritage. Believed to be contemporary with the now-damaged Bujang Valley complex, this discovery provides an opportunity to unlock further mysteries of our ancient civilisations.

What adds even more significance to the Bukit Choras temple is the stone inscription written in the Pallava script. This discovery is immensely important, allowing linguists to delve into the linguistic nuances of the past and unravel the stories etched in stone.

As someone who is personally involved in the study of inscriptions in Sanskrit and Old Malay in the Nusantara region, I am particularly excited about the potential insights this discovery holds. It opens a unique gateway for researchers to understand the language and communication of our ancestors, which illuminates the linguistic trajectory followed by the current state of the Malay language.

Although Malaysia is by and large a Muslim-majority country, we cannot deny the massive influence of Sanskrit on the Malay language, culture, and identity. My presentation at the Malaysia-India Heritage International Conference in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 19 highlighted this influence via the examination of other stone inscriptions such as the Muarakaman inscriptions (East Kalimantan, Indonesia); the Kedukan Bukit inscription (South Sumatra); and even the [classical Malay inscription in Jawi] in Terengganu.

Without the discovery, examination, and subsequent preservation of these ancient artefacts, there would be no opportunity for us to delve deeper into our past to learn about the ancient origins of our beloved language, culture, and traditions.

Obviously, these efforts are not just important to the Malays but also to all the races that make up our multiracial country because Malaysia was built on, by, and with the cooperation of all the peoples of our nation.

For example, we are well cognisant from various inscriptions that the Malay language flourished from extreme language contact with Sanskrit brought by the Brahmins and merchants from India, and that admiral Zheng He (Cheng Ho) and merchants from China played a pivotal role in the success of the empire built by the Melaka sultanate. Therefore we all should embrace our colourful history and promote mutual understanding by reflecting on and learning from the wisdom of our ancestors with the help of advances in archaeology.

As custodians of our heritage, we are called to prioritise the conservation of archaeological sites. The tragedy in Bujang Valley, which deeply saddened archaeologists and linguists alike, amplifies the urgency of safeguarding these treasures. Our archaeological sites are not just relics; they are vistas into our past, revealing the diversity and richness that define Malaysia.

The call to action is clear. Let us rally behind efforts to protect our heritage. The Malaysian government, local communities, and international organisations must collaborate to ensure the preservation of these sites. Through education and awareness, we can instil a sense of responsibility among Malaysians to cherish and protect their cultural legacy.

Let the loss of the Bujang Valley temple be a catalyst for change. The discovery in Bukit Choras beckons us to celebrate our heritage, ensuring that future generations can marvel at the wonders of their ancestors. Together, let us write a new chapter in the story of Malaysia’s history, one where the echoes of the past resonate through the ages.

DR AMIR RASHAD MUSTAFFA

Senior lecturer

Department of Malaysian Languages and Applied Linguistics

Faculty of Languages and Linguistics

Universiti Malaya