Rian Ngoen Thawarawadi Inscription (Ban Tha Khae)

Script

Pallava

Date

12th Buddhist century

Language

Sanskrit

Face/Line

(the script dimly visible)

Material

silver

Form

circle flat coin, the picture of a Bhadrapiḍha is on the front of the coin, and the inscription is on back

Size

2.6 cm. diameter

Found at

Ban Tha Khae Archaeological Site, Tha Khae Locality, Mueang District, Lop Buri Province

Description

Due to heavy fading and deterioration of the writing, a new study on the pattern of the inscription should be conducted. However, on one side there is a picture of a ‘Throne’ or ‘Bhadrapiṭaḥ’/‘Bhadrabiḍha’ which is one of the 108 auspicious symbols of ancient India. Most of the thrones found on Dvāravatī silver coins are in the shape of a square, within which there is a cross symbol. However, such features could also be perceived as being that of a Damaru (2 faced drum).

Reference

Edited by : The Inscriptions in Thailand Database Project Staffs (2552 B.E.), SAC, from :
1) Methini Chirawatthana, “Old decorations found at Thai, 11th-15th Buddhist century,” Silpakorn 34, 2 (March-April 2534) : 69-86 (in Thai).
2) Phasuk Inthrawut, “3.3.2 Seals were used as a medium of commerce,” in Dvaravati : a critical study based on archaeological evidence (Bangkok : Akson Samai Press, 2542), 124-133 (in Thai).
3) Phuthon Phumathon, Ban Tha Khae Archaeological Site (Bangkok : Amarin Press, 2527) : 104-113 (in Thai).

Illustrations

Photograph from : Silpakorn 34, 2 (March-April 2534)