via various sources, 26 June 2024: Researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia have unearthed a nearly complete life-size Buddha statue at the Bukit Choras temple in Kedah. The statue, dating back to the 7th or 8th century highlighting the historical and religious significance of the site, but also raises political undertones in Malaysia over “who” was “here” “first” and what it means for racial and religious relations in the country.
Researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) have made another mark in the history books after unearthing the largest Buddhist temple structure in Bukit Choras, Yan, Kedah, which dates back 1,200 years.
The result is a near-complete, life-size Buddha figure in a meditative position inside the temple, located north of Gunung Jerai in Kedah. The team from the Global Archaeological Research Centre (PPAG), led by Dr. Nasha Rodziadi Khaw, is also working to salvage two other relics believed to be Buddha figures, though these may be broken and missing their heads. According to the researchers, a fourth relic could be hidden within the temple structure.
Source: USM researchers discover life-size Buddha figure at Bukit Choras temple
See also:
- USM researchers unearth life-size Buddha figure at Bukit Choras temple | New Straits Times, 26 Jun 2024
- Motac: Buddha statue found in Kedah’s Bukit Choras older than Angkor Wat | Malay Mail, 26 Jun 2026
- Archaeological Sites In Kedah Should Force A Rewriting Of Malaysian History | EurasiaReview, 26 Jun 2024
- Arca Buddha di Bukit Choras, Kedah lebih tua dari Angkor Wat | Astro Awani, 26 Jun 2024
- Satu lagi arca bentuk manusia ditemui di Bukit Choras | Nerita Harian, 26 Jun 2024
- Celebrate archaeological findings of Buddha statue in Kedah; don’t politicise it with racist slur | Focus Malaysia, 26 Jun 2024
- QuickCheck: Is a recently-discovered religious statue in Kedah older than Angkor Wat? | The Star, 26 Jun 2024
- USM researchers unearth life-size Buddha figure and inscriptions at Bukit Choras’ ancient temple | The Sun, 27 Jun 2024
- Malaysia’s Latest Archaeological Find – A Buddha Statue Older Than Angkor Wat | The Rakyat Post, 28 Jun 2024
- Arca Buddha di Bukit Choras simbol kemajmukan wujud berabad lamanya di Kedah – Penyelidik | Astro Awani, 01 Jul 2024