Kadaram - Kedah

Uncover the 

Lost Ancient 

Kingdom.

 “The value of history, then, is that it teaches us what man has done and thus what man is." -

R. G. Collingwood

We all have heard of the famous ancient kingdoms and their magnificent temples which are still standing strong despite test of time in South East Asia such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia ( the largest temple in the world), Borobodur and Prambanan in Indonesia and My Son in Vietnam.


Kedah in Malaysia or also known as Kadaram / Kataha / Bhujanga Valley was once a famous ancient kingdom which is lost and forgotten for many years. Is it because there are no ancient monuments to proof its existence and grandeur? Is raises question on why Kadaram (Kedah Malaysia), which was once a famous port, trading center and also one of the oldest civilization( founded even earlier than the other Kingdoms in South East Asia) do not have such monuments OR does it? 

Kadaram (the ancient Kedah Kingdom), or Kataha Nagara or also called Bhujanga (Bujang Valley) was one of the important ancient Hindu Kingdoms of South Asia. Kadaram was situated in region of southern Thailand, and northern peninsular Malaysia. It is presently known as Kedah. Being situated in a strategic place which commanded the northern approaches of the Straits of Malacca, it became a center of power and economy. It had very close connections with many countries of the ancient world. Trade connections between western Indonesia and Southern India seem to have been close during the reign of the Pallavas, from the 4th to 9th centuries CE. These relations helped spread Hindu culture and religion to the Malays, and also lead to the emergence of Hindu Kingdoms like Kadaram (Old Kedah), Langkasuka, Funan, and Champa.

The intricately engraved ruins from a candi - Where are the remains?

Here are the least unknown facts about Lembah Bujang Kedah (Kadaram).

One of the earlier trading “port” in South East Asia

• India Ocean has one of the longest histories of sea traffic connecting Mediterranean, Arab, India, Malaya, Sino which lasted through 6 millennials. There were evidences found showing the trade exists as early as 1st Century(Jeffrey Abdullah et al, 2011).
• The latest excavations in Sungai Batu also shows that the Pengkalan Bujang settlement dates back to the 1st Century.
• The earliest mention of Kedah (Bujang Valley) is found in Tamil Sangam literature – 2nd Century poem Pattinapalai from Pattupattu referring Kedah as “Kalagam” – Its says, goods from Kalagam were in the streets of Puhar(Kaveripattinam). 
• As such, Kedah must have existed no later than 2nd Century which means it is one of the oldest ancient civilization in South East Asia. (V.Nadarajan, 2011)

The candi sites.

Richest archaeological site in Malaysia

• Over 50 archaeological sites have been discovered from the first excavation in 1936 by British archaeologists, H.G Quatrich Wales. 
• There were evidences about the daily living of people in the Bujang Valley settlement. 
• There were no much progress since H.G Wales discovery in excavating or restoring of the ancient ruins since then due to lack of interest and funds.

Oldest Temples in the Lembah Bujang

Yoni

Linggam

• The “candi” found in Bujang Valley are the oldest among the other famous ancient kingdoms of South East Asia (Sri Vijaya, Majapahit, Khmer) – The famous chandi at Bukit Pahat is a Hindu temple built for Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati. The temple grounds are sacred where few of the temples have been restored while others are left as it is and is still undergoing research. 
• The temple structures is similar to other famous South East Asia temples. One can compare the temples in Cambodia such as Bantreay Sei and its exact architecture and material used. 
• They are not “tomb” temples as initially believed since there are a number of Shivan Lingams and Yoni found from the temples and clearly depicts Hindu temple architecture for religious rituals rather than being a monument or burial sites for royal . 
• No evidence of funeral rites found other than tablets and podiums which are used to store jewelries and precious stones which are used to decorate the idols found. 

 Kedah ( Kadaram ) as most prominent maritime kingdom

• Compared to others in South East Asia during the ancient times. - One of Rajendra Chola’s title was “Kadaram-Kondan” which literally translates to “the Conqueror of Kadaram (Kedah)”. The title is to commemorate his victory in invading 13 Kingdoms and territories in the Malay Archipelago. Why was he not called “Sri-Vijaya Kondan” or of other Kingdom names that he conquered? Kadaram must have been foremost and most prominent maritime kingdom compared to others in South East Asia during the ancient times (V.Nadarajan, 2011).

Transpeninsular Trade Route

• The physical location of the Malay Penisular allows it to be a land bridge – crossroads for the maritime trade route between India and China. It saved about 4 months sailing time around Malay peninsular. 
• Ports exists at both sides of the isthmus – Kedah facing Indian Ocean and Langkasuka facing South China Sea. The route is called Kadaram – Langkasuka route which starts from Sungai Merbok through Sungai Mas, Sungai Terus and Sungai Simpong and its tributary rivers and then by overland route to Baling and Betong and down the Menam Patani river to Langkasuka (Patani). There are several other routes however the evidence on the routes existence is sketchy. There were trade artifacts and archaeological discoveries which supports this theory.

The story of the ancient Kedah which was once a trading entrepot visited by Indian, Chinese, Arab and SouthEast Asian traders should not be neglected. Its glorious past holds magnificent legacy. Its the birthplace of Malayan civilization and need to be told.

Author: Thava Selvy

References:

Nadarajan, V. (n.d.). Bujang Valley: the wonder that was ancient Kedah. 135 p.: Col. ill., maps.

Kulke, H., Kesavapany, K., & Sakhuja, V. (2010). Nagapattinam to Suvarnadwipa: reflections on the Chola naval expeditions to Southeast Asia. New Delhi: Manohar.