Archeological treasures in Mrauk-U require urgent preservation: heritage advocate

By DMG 30 Mar 2022

DMG Newsroom
30 March 2022, Mrauk-U 

Some archeological sites and historical buildings in Mrauk-U need to be preserved in a timely manner, according to Daw Khin Than, chairperson of the Mrauk-U Cultural Heritage Conservation Association. 

King Kawlia’s stone inscription, the Pitakataik and the old Dutch department store, which are showing cracks, should be given the most urgent priority for conservation efforts, she told DMG. 

“Some archeological sites are becoming more fragmented year by year. I wonder if this split has anything to do with the roof over it,” she said. “In the past, when there was no roof, nothing happened, but when the roof came, it became dry and cracked. It needs to be studied in the field with experts.” 

King Kawlia’s stone inscription is located on a rock more than 100 feet tall and features manuscripts from the Lay Myo era. 

“Of the 48 Pitakataik in Arakan State, the ruins are the smallest and the finest of the sculptures. The Dutch department store was built for commercial purposes. It is also a symbol of trade,” Daw Khin Than said. 

U Nyo Myint Tun, deputy director-general of the Department of Archeology and National Museum under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, said the department would conduct field inspections and consult with experts. 

“We will conduct field inspections with experts. We will also work with the locals,” he said. 

Many ancient Arakan artefacts are located within the Mrauk-U archaeological site, and efforts continue to add Mrauk-U to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List.