Dvaravati in Sisaket: Ancient Communities and Historical Evidence in the Mun - Huai Thap Than River Basin During the 12th - 16th Buddhist Centuries

Abstract

This research article had two objectives: first, to study the historical sites and ancient communities of the Dvaravati culture in the Mun - Huai Thap Than river basin within Sisaket Province, and second, to study the significance of historical evidence in the Dvaravati culture in this region. This study is based on historical and archaeological research methodology, which explores and analyzes evidence that was found in ancient settlements to explain the relationship of the Dvaravati culture as evidenced in the area. The results revealed that no fewer than twenty ancient communities in the Dvaravati culture were located along the Mun-Huai Thap Than river basin. It was found that at least five types of evidence reflecting the cultural influence of the Dvaravati culture from the 12^th to 16^th Buddhist centuries: 1) double-moated earthen ramparts, 2) sandstone or laterite sema stones, 3) archaeological sites of stupas or pagodas made of burnt clay bricks, 4) Sanskrit inscriptions written in the Pallava script, and 5) small fragments of Buddhist statues believed to be related to Mahayana Buddhism. The article posits that the Dvaravati culture in Sisaket province is a part of the “Isan Dvaravati culture” or “Northeastern Dvaravati culture,” which absorbed Buddhist beliefs from various sources and blended them with local traditions. In some cases, traces of Zhenla culture were found mixed with other cultures in the same area. As a result, traces of Dvaravati culture in Sisaket were found with various pieces of evidence that reflected the influence of religious beliefs and the overlapping political power. Unfortunately, there is a lack of sufficient academic research and archaeological excavation.