Sri Ksetra Museum Collection Inventory

The Sri Ksetra Museum Collection Inventory highlights the cultural and historical significance of the Pyu Ancient Cities, which were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2014. These cities, including Halin, Beikthano, and Sri Ksetra, represent a pivotal transition from Bronze-Iron Age chiefdoms to early Buddhist kingdoms in mainland Southeast Asia, spanning over a thousand years (B.C 200 to A.D 900). The study focuses on the Sri Ksetra Archaeological Museum's collection of approximately 265 artifacts, which include burial urns with Pyu inscriptions, Buddha images, Brahmanical statues, terracotta votive tablets, and other significant objects from the Pyu period. This inventory underscores the unique artistic and iconographic developments of the Pyu civilization, blending Indian traditions with distinct local characteristics in their craftsmanship, particularly evident in beads, ritual pottery, and architectural designs. The research provides a comprehensive overview of the cultural heritage preserved at Sri Ksetra, offering insights into the regional exchange and religious practices of the Pyu Kingdoms.

Galloway, C. (2022). Sri Ksetra Museum Collection Inventory. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110674064