Archaeological findings throw light on trade links with south-east Asia

Several archaeological materials excavated from various sites in Thailand have been found to be "stunningly" similar to ones found in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh throwing light on trade with south east Asian countries centuries ago,a senior Archaeologist said.

Many materials including seals used by Kings, beads, and pottery with brahmi inscriptions were of Indian origin and these could be assigned to second-third century AD, D.Dayalan, superintending archaeologist, Temple Research Project, New Delhi, told PTI.

"Quite interesting among the findings is a gold plaque with brahmi letters.The letter found on the plaque like "ti" (in looped form) is found only in (excavated materials) Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh," he said.

The plaque belonged to a shipman (Naaviga which later became Navigator) Brahaspathi Sarma,name common only to South India.This was found in the ruins of a Buddhist temple in the
Northern district of Wellesley (Thailand).This also proved
that India had trade with the country centuries ago, he said.

Similarly the triangle head is a standard symbol found on the bull type and elephant type coins of Satvahana Rulers at Nevesa and Sannati (Thailand).The same symbols were found in Sangam coins with others such as Triangular Geometric design. A seal found near Arikamedu (in Tamil Nadu) also had depiction of this symbol, he said.

Many seals had similar Brahmi letters to those excavated in areas like in South India.In addition to seals and coins, rouletted wares of Indian origin were also found. 

Contacts between India and south east Asian countries have
a long history with many dimensions such as commercial, religious and cultural."Touch Stone(Perumpatham Kal) in Temple
Museum of Watkhlong Thom is ancient authentic epigraphical
evidence..."

Similarly, in India, excavation at Kottapattinam (in Tamil Nadu) located on the East coast yielded many shreds of celadon produced from the Si Sachanarai Kilns of Thailand. The bowls
had carved decorations and the Lotus pattern,was the most
common. Large glazed and unglazed jars similar to those in
Thailand were also found in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, he
said.