2,000-year-old gold rings bearing Indian Brahmi inscription unearthed in Thailand

The rings were discovered alongside human skeletal remains during an ongoing excavation at the newly identified Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Thailand's Phetchaburi province, according to the country's Fine Arts Department.

In Short

• Two rings were found beside skeletal remains at Don Yai Thong
• Experts read one inscription as Pusarakhitasa, linked to Pushya in astronomy
• Archaeologists think the buried person may have been a merchant

Archaeologists in Thailand have uncovered two gold rings believed to be around 2,000 years old, including one engraved with an ancient Indian Brahmi inscription, offering fresh evidence of early cultural and trade links between the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

The rings were discovered alongside human skeletal remains during an ongoing excavation at the newly identified Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Thailand's Phetchaburi province, according to the country's Fine Arts Department.

Experts say the inscription on one of the rings points to Indian influence in the region during the Iron Age, when maritime trade between India and Southeast Asia was flourishing.

BRAHMI INSCRIPTION OFFERS HISTORIC CLUE

One of the gold rings, unearthed last week, bears characters identified as Brahmi, one of the oldest writing systems of ancient India. Following an initial examination, experts said the inscription reads "pusarakhitasa", which translates to "the one protected by Pushya."

According to the Associated Press, Pushya is regarded as one of the most auspicious zodiac signs in Indian astronomy.

The second ring found with the same skeletal remains is plain, with no visible decoration or inscription.

Based on the style of the jewellery and the inscription, archaeologists believe the individual buried at the site may have been a merchant linked to the Vaishya community of the ancient Indian caste system.

DISCOVERY MADE AT NEWLY FOUND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

The rings were recovered from the Don Yai Thong archaeological site, located about 130 kilometres southwest of Bangkok.

The site came to the attention of archaeologists earlier this year after local residents discovered fragments of ancient bronze drums while working in a rice field.

The discovery prompted a full-scale excavation led by Thailand's Fine Arts Department. Experts have dated the site to Thailand's late prehistoric period, also known as the Iron Age, which spans roughly 1,500 to 2,500 years ago.

Excavations that began in February have already uncovered eight human skeletons along with a wide range of artefacts. These include gold and bronze jewellery, pottery and ceremonial objects.

The presence of high-value ornaments suggests that those buried there held an important position in society. Officials said excavations are expected to continue for about another month before the site is closed for further analysis.

The Fine Arts Department plans to conserve the artefacts and later place them on public display.

- Ends
With inputs from agencies