Rian Ngoen Thawarawadi Inscription (U Thong 2)

Script

Pallava

Date

12th Buddhist century

Language

Sanskrit

Face/Line

1 face ; contains 2 lines of writing

Material

silver

Form

circle flat coin, the picture of the Purnaghata pot (pot of abundance) is on the front of the coin, and the inscription is on back

Found at

U Thong Ancient City, U Thong Locality, Mueang District, Suphan Buri Province

Exhibited

U Thong National Museum, U Thong Locality, U Thong District, Suphan Buri Province

Description

The inscription reads: ‘śrīdvāravatī śvarapuṇya’ or ‘Phra Chao Śrī Dvāravatī who is fully meritorious.” Thus, confirming the very existence of the Dvāravatī Kingdom. This is in line with both contemporary Chinese documents and archaeological items and sites along the Thachin-Mae Klong-Pasak river basins in Thailand. Regarding the picture of the mother cow and her calf on the front of the coin, Professor Dr. Phasuk Inthrawut has explained in the book ‘Dvāravatī’: An analytical study from archaeological evidence, that: “‘Purnaghata’, ‘Kamandalu’, or ‘Kalasha’ symbolizes fertility and auspiciousness. According to the beliefs of Indian people of all faiths, Purnaghata is a water pot with or without a decorative botanic design, Kamandalu is a water pot with spout, and Kalasha is a water pot without a nozzle.” Silver medals of similar appearance have been found in many parts of Thailand, particularly in the ancient cities of Nakhon Pathom, U-Thong (Suphan Buri), Khu Bua (Ratchaburi), Khu Mueang (Sing Buri), Phrommathin (Lop Buri), Dong Khon and U Taphao (Chai Nat).