Introduction. Sri Ksetra Museum Collection Inventory

Recent excavations at Sri Ksetra, one of the earliest Pyu cities in Southeast Asia, have revealed that its foundations date back to at least the first century BCE, predating previous estimates by several centuries. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions about the timeline of urbanism and the rise of the Bagan Empire. The research, led by Janice Stargardt and U Win Kyaing, employed systematic surveys, radiocarbon dating, and analysis of hydraulic systems to uncover evidence of early settlement and the city's complex water management infrastructure. These findings not only reshape our understanding of Sri Ksetra but also provide new insights into Pyu culture, society, and their interaction with the dynamic environment.

Hawkes, J. (2022). Introduction. Sri Ksetra Museum Collection Inventory, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110674064-001