Prang Ku

Terrain

General Condition

Prang Ku is located in the east of the old town. and on the east side of the present city of Chaiyaphum The general condition of the area is a mound on a plain that is mainly caused by the deposition of sediments. There is a small natural river flowing about 100 meters to the west of Prang Ku (Lampa Thao?). This river will flow to connect with Lam Siew, Lam Chi Rong, Lam Patao and eventually flow out into the Chi River. About 600 meters west of Prang Ku is Lam Siew. About 1 kilometer away to the east is Lampa Thao. About 2 kilometers to the south is Lam Chi Rong. The Chi River is approximately 14 kilometers southeast.

Prang Ku archaeological site has been excavated - excavated Restoration by Anastilosis and improve the landscape in perfect condition ready to develop into a tourist attraction Currently under the supervision of the Fine Arts Office 12 Nakhon Ratchasima

The area surrounding Prang Ku is a lawn. Next to it are the government offices, Prang Ku Temple, road (Highway No. 2158) and people's houses.

Height above mean sea level

Waterway

Lam Siew, Lampa Thao, Lam Chi Rong, Chi River

Geological conditions

Prang Ku archaeological site is located on a mound surrounded by plains formed during the Quarternaree (Qa) era. These sediments were deposited by streams of gravel, sand, silt and clay. to accumulate in waterways - embankments, rivers and flood basins

Soil set at this ancient site of Prang Ku It is the Roi-Et soil series. It looks very deep soil. The topsoil is loam or sandy loam. Grayish brown or brown The subsoil is sandy loam or sandy loam, may find a layer of loam, clay or clay. light grayish brown or pink Spots appear brownish-yellow or reddish-brown all the time. Soil reaction is very acidic to slightly acidic (pH 5.0-6.5) in the topsoil and very acidic to slightly acidic (pH 4.5-6.5) in the bottom soil. Can be cultivated for field crops or vegetables in the dry season

Surrounding the source that is now a rice field is the Roi-Et Series, which is the soil formed by the origin of the soil that is carried by water, as well as the ancient site.

The geomorphology is a salt rock in the Maha Sarakham rock category. (Mahasarakham Formation – KTms) Cretaceous period

Archaeological Era

era/culture

Archaeological age

Types of archaeological sites

archaeological essence

Prang Ku archaeological site is an ancient place called Physical disorder or religious institute At Jayavarman VII (1724-1763 BC) of the ancient Khmer Empire Please build a total of 102 places every vision (city) according to the text which appears in Chapter 117 of the Ta Prohm inscription at the city of Bangkok. Cambodia (Rungrot Piromnukul 2004 :17)

Architectural Style

Prang Ku Castle is a small ancient site It has the same schematic and composition as other diseases. It consists of the main castle, bannalai, arch or gopura, glass wall, and pond. The castle was all built of laterite, but the lintels, pediments, and door frames were made of sandstone. There is a rectangular plan. set facing east It consists of the following building groups (Dusit Tummakorn 2005 :11-15)

1 .President's Castle Located in the middle, made of laterite and sandstone. The plan is rectangular shape with additional corners with porches on all 4 sides, approximately 8 meters wide and 10 meters long, consisting of a sandstone base built with a Pattama base. Then continue with the elemental house that adds corners with porches on all 4 sides. Next to the house of elements is a 5-tiered roof, followed by a lotus blossoming top. The east porch will have a walkway. which has a roof connected to the central gate of Gopur.

The main castle has a short porch at the front. There was only one entrance door, which was on the east side. (The rest of the three sides are pseudo-doors), which is the door that enters the Ghaghar room. which is the main idol of this religious place The idol is now lost.

Some parts of the main castle are carved with patterns and narrative images, such as the eastern gable area. lintels on the east and north porches Jackfruit petals decorate the roof layer. Details are as follows:

East porch Show a picture of the Four Korn Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara The stamp is in a rather damaged condition. On the side of the Bodhisattva appeared a standing figure that looked like it was flanked by both hands. Under the king's feet appeared a row of 9 people sitting with their hands together.

East porch lintel Carved a picture of the Buddha image in the meditation posture, seated in the arch above the face of Kan, in the center of the image. Among the leaf patterns curled up which is a characteristic of the Bayon style of Khmer art Around the first half of the 18th Buddhist century

lintel of the north porch Even the engraving was only half finished. but it may be assumed that This lintel wanted to depict the Mahayana Triple Gem, which is the Naga Prok Buddha image in the middle, flanked by the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and Prajya Paramita. This was a popular trend that occurred during the reign of Jayavarman VII, or about the first half to the middle of the 18th Buddhist century.

In the center of the lintel is an image of a Buddha image in the meditation posture with a halo framed behind it, similar to the Naga Prok. In the face of the lion's hands, the lion's feet spit out curved circles with the scrolling pattern of leaves beneath. The arc is divided at the crescent where another arc coming out of the side of the lintel converge. Above the collision curve stands a standing image of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Smithi Siriphat 1990:146). Probably the image of Mrs. Prachya Parmita. Which is popularly carved into the image of a goddess with two legs holding lotus flowers and scriptures. which such characteristics are in the form of the Mahayana Ratana There is also a leaf pattern curling up like a lintel on the east side as well. The artistic style of this lintel is very similar to the one found in Prasat Phra Khan, Phra Nakhon, Cambodia. It differs only in the sculptural characteristics (Smithi Siripat 1990 :146)

Smith Siripat and Mayuree Weeraprasert suggested that The Khmer art that has come into Thailand is both traditional (pure) and eclectic. This lintel on the north side of the main castle can be said to be another lintel in the traditional or pure Bayon art found in Thailand (Smithi Siripat 1990 :31).

Mahayana Tiratana Appears as a word of worship in the inscription of Jayavarman VII, such as the Phanom Banthai Nang inscription. Battambang City (Yorch Seedes 1965:48) and found art forms are The creation of 3 idols together consists of the Buddha in the form of a Buddha image sitting in meditation posture in the posture of a Naga. Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara sits at the right side of the Buddha. and Mrs. Prachya Paramita is seated on the left (Wanvipa Suneta 2003 :1)

lintel above the doorway to the dormitory room It's a picture of a flora

Rooftop Every layer is decorated with jackfruit petals. The important deities of the direction are Thao Kuwera Song Singh. god of the north Indra, the elephant, Erawan, guarding the east Yom buffaloes guard the south Lord Varun has a swan, the deity protecting the west, etc.

2 . A temple or library It is located on the southeast side of the main castle. inside the glass wall The plan is a rectangular building. Approximately 4.5 meters wide, 7.5 meters long, facing west. (facing the president's castle) damaged condition, the roof is completely broken down The base was made of sandstone, the walls were made of laterite. There is only one entrance on the west side. Inside, there were traces of pillar holes in the four corners of the wall and a pair in the center of the wall. Excavations have found fragments of clay roof tiles. It was initially assumed that The roof of this temple or library Probably a wooden shingle with tiles Inside the present library, there is a base of Yoni enshrined at the end of the room.

Gable of the front library or the west side Some parts are still unfinished. Show the story of the Buddha's history when Prince Siddhartha came out of the Maha Phinet (His Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn) in the middle is the image of Prince Siddhartha seated on a Kanthaka horse Above is a deity image, possibly referring to Brahma or Indra. Below is a row of angels. The engraved image of His Majesty the King is similar to this Prang Ku. Found at Ta Prohm Temple Prasat Phra Pithu and Prasat Wat Nakhon Cambodia From the information in Thailand, it was found only at Prang Ku archaeological site.

lintel Above the frame of the front entrance door or on the west side is engraved with a Garuda Naga image. with Garuda standing in the middle of the picture Both hands hold the Naga's tail. Left and right, there are rows of 4 people on each side, holding the Naga with the Naga's head on the edge of the lintel on both sides.

The carvings at the main castle and the library indicate that The craftsman who built the prang Ku had the intention of constructing it. due to illness after other Usually does not appear any engraving

3 . Kopura or the entrance arch appearing only on the east side The schematic is a cross. The interior is divided into 4 rooms with doors that go through each other. Consisting of one central room, a northern porch room The south and east, one on each side, with the central chamber being the largest and most likely used to house the now-lost idols.

4. Glass wall Made of laterite, about 2 meters high, the plan is rectangular. This glass wall connects to Gopura surrounding the main castle. and the temple inside.

5 . Pool Outside the glass wall on the northeast side There is a rectangular pool about 15 meters wide and 18 meters long, the walls are covered with laterite to the bottom of the pool.

Excavation-excavating ancient sites

Excavations found evidence of construction techniques such as the use of compacted sand as a foundation to strengthen the stability of the building, the use of I-shaped steel (ɪ) to hold stone blocks, etc., demonstrating the construction techniques of ancient monuments as well as ancient sites in Other Khmer art that is contemporary with this Prang Ku

Antiques found

1. Sculpture of a person

1.1 Standing Buddha image, sandstone, approximately 70 centimeters high, the Buddha image wrapped in a robe covering the original head is missing. There was a new molding later. His right hand rests on the Nabhi. The left arm is attached to the body. Dvaravati style of art indigenous influence Around the 15th-16th Buddhist century

1.2 Buddha image in meditation posture, sandstone, height 120 cm., covered with robes. The original head was probably broken. There was a new molding later. Clearly imprinted with diamond meditation. Place the right hand on top of the left hand and saw the edge of the robe The area of ​​the arms on both sides lay down on the top of the amulet, Dvaravati art, indigenous influences Around the 16th Buddhist century

1.3 Buddha image in the attitude of subduing Mara, sandstone, is located in the Garbhagruha room. Approximately 80 centimeters tall, round face, influenced by indigenous arts. Around the 18th - 19th Buddhist century

1.4 The Buddha image, sandstone, has a short sangha over the body. Found from excavation inside the temple, made of sandstone, Dvaravati art. Influence on indigenous arts Around the 16th-18th Buddhist century

1.5 Angel's head? Found from excavation inside the temple.

1.6 parts of the arm Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara Found from excavation inside the temple.

1.7 A shoulder piece (with a flower necklace attached to it), a gatehouse, found from an excavation of a gopura. Age around the 18th century.

2. Animal sculpture Found only one piece, a sandstone lion, about 50 centimeters high, in the Bayon style of Khmer art. Age around the 18th century.

3. Architectural pieces

3.1 Jackfruit petals (from the main castle) made of sandstone. There are both the deities of the direction such as Indra on the Erawan elephant, Yom on the buffalo, etc. Naga images, sitting Buddha images in the posture of meditation. Khmer art in the Bayon period around the 18th Buddhist century, etc.

3.2 Naga eaves tiles

4. Porcelain From the excavation - excavation in this time, both the fragments of clay pottery were found. and antiques such as wares brown glazed jar The elephant's paw jar is coated in black brown, etc., around the 15th-18th century.

5. Crushed stone Made of sandstone, found while excavating the temple.

Restoration

Because Prang Ku mainly uses sandstone and laterite construction materials. Therefore, an anastylosis restoration was used. That is to say, there is a brief work process as follows:dismantling the rocks, as well as plotting and coding on every stone that constitutes the archaeological site, and then using a device to lift all those stones down. When cleaning such stones Therefore, a new foundation was made with concrete. Reinforcing steel until it is stable and strong. and then put all the stones back together and reassemble according to the predetermined layout chart until complete.

            การบูรณะโบราณสถานด้วยวิธีอนัสติโลซิสนี้ นำมาใช้เป็นครั้งแรกโดยนักโบราณคดีชาวเนเธอร์แลนด์ ในการบูรณะโบราณสถานบุโรพุทโธ ที่ประเทศอินโดนีเซีย และนักโบราณคดีชาวฝรั่งเศสได้นำวิธีการดังกล่าวมาใช้บูรณะโบราณสถานอื่น ๆ เช่น ปราสาทพิมาย อ.พิมาย จ.นครราชสีมา ปราสาทพนมรุ้ง อ.เฉลิมพระเกียรติ จ.บุรีรัมย์ เป็นต้น

            ศิลาจารึก  ในบริเวณปรางค์กู่แห่งนี้ ได้ค้นพบชิ้นส่วนศิลาจารึก 1 ชิ้น เรียกว่า จารึกวัดกู่บ้านหนองบัว (ทะเบียนจารึก ชย.6) เป็นจารึกอักษรขอมภาษาสันสฤกต

            สำหรับที่มาของจารึกหลักนี้ค่อนข้างคลุมเครือ ไม่มีสำเนาจารึกและภาพถ่าย มีเพียงแผ่นจำลองรูปอักษรซึ่งเป็นการจำลองที่คลาดเคลื่อนอยู่บ้าง บัญชีทะเบียนประวัติบอกว่า เจ้าหน้าที่อำเภอสูงเนินได้ส่งแผ่นจำลองรูปอักษรจารึกให้กระทรวงมหาดไทย เมื่อวันที่ ๗ พฤศจิกายน ร.ศ. 131 (ตรงกับ พ.ศ. 2455) แต่ไม่ปรากฏหลักฐานว่ากรมศิลปากรได้รับแผ่นจำลองรูปอักษรจารึกนี้เมื่อใด เบื้องหลังแผ่นจำลองรูปอักษรมีคำอธิบายประกอบเป็นสองข้อดังนี้ "1. ก้อนศิลาก้อนนี้ มีอยู่ที่วัดกู่บ้านหนองบัว ตำบลในเมือง อำเภอเมืองๆ ไชยภูมิ กว้าง 8 นิ้ว ยาว 3 ศอก เป็นรอยชำรุดหักไปเสียครึ่งหนึ่ง ครึ่งที่หายไม่ทราบจะตกไปอยู่ที่ใด หาไม่พบ 2. มีบัวอักษรจะเป็นอักษรภาษาใดอ่านไม่ออก แต่แผ่นศิลาที่จารึกตัวอักษรนั้นแตกหลุดไปเป็นกาบ หายไปประมาณครึ่ง ส่วนที่ได้จำลองมานี้ ตัวอักษรใหญ่เล็กประมาณเท่าที่จำลองมานี้ (กรมศิลปากร 2529 :252-256 )

            จากการศึกษา (กรมศิลปากร 2529 :252-256) พบว่าเป็นชิ้นส่วนจารึกอักษรขอม ภาษาสันสฤกต มีตัวอักษร 10 บรรทัด กล่าวสรรเสริญและยอพระเกียรติพระเจ้าชัยวรมันที่ 7 ว่า ได้รับชัยชนะในการทำสงคราม พระองค์ได้ขยายอาณาจักรออกไปกว้างขวางจนเป็นเกียรติประวัติของพระองค์ อีกทั้งทรงมีพระเมตตา โอบอ้อมอารี บริจาคทาน เป็นที่รักใคร่ของประชาชนทั่วไป พระองค์มีรูปกายที่งดงามกว่ากามเทพ ได้บริหารประเทศให้เจริญรุ่งเรืองเป็นอย่างยิ่ง

            เมื่อพิจารณาข้อความแล้วพบว่า  ตั้งแต่บรรทัดที่ 1 - 10 ของจารึกหลักนี้ ตรงกับข้อความในด้านที่ 1 บรรทัดที่ 8 - 17 ของจารึกด่านประคำ, จารึกพิมาย, จารึกตาเมียนโตจ และจารึกสุรินทร์2 ซึ่งข้อความในจารึกล้วนกล่าวถึงเรื่องพระเจ้าชัยวรมันที่ 7 สร้างโรงพยาบาล ดังนั้นจารึกหลักนี้จึงน่าจะเป็นจารึกอีกหลักหนึ่งของพระเจ้าชัยวรมันที่ 7 ซึ่งครองราชย์ในช่วง พ.ศ. 1724 - 1761