DUE to the recent powerful earthquake in Mandalay, a cultural heritage structure from the Inwa period that emerged from underground will be systematically excavated and preserved, according to the Department of Archaeology and National Museum under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture. Plans are also underway to make the site accessible to the public for educational purposes.
It is reported that parts of the southern Thayetkin staircase of the structure were first discovered in 2009 during a brick-making activity by residents. Since then, the Department of Archaeology and National Museum has preserved the site. The recent earthquake has led to the further exposure of cultural heritage elements connected to the previously discovered
staircase. From 6 April onwards, the Mandalay Branch of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum began trial excavations at the site. Preliminary findings from the excavation suggest that the structure may have been used in water-related royal ceremonies held by ancient Myanmar kings. However, it is believed not to be a royal water palace, as it lacks large-scale chambers typically associated with such buildings. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, through the Department of Archaeology and the National Museum, continues to carry out systematic excavation and preservation of Myanmar’s ancient cultural heritage. In this context, the department will continue its efforts to preserve and develop the newly uncovered Inwa-era heritage structure revealed by the Mandalay earthquake, with plans to open it to the public for study and appreciation. — ASH/KNN
# The Global Newlight of Myanmar