by e.s. shankar
Which part of India this King Ramaunibha came from or who his enemies were in Malaya that he decimated, are not stated. Perhaps, more details and discoveries can be found in the yet unexcavated part of the boulder and surrounding area. A short walk away, behind the church, are to be found more rocks and boulders and hills which may have been have been quarried for granite.
James Low's name can be seen clearly carved on the rocks, as well as some graffiti. This location and the boulder has been gazetted as a heritage site since the '70's. The rock is well protected by a roofed shed.
Cherok To'kun is also, of course, the birthplace of Anwar Ibrahim (1947), whose grandfather, according to one source, was a Tamil Brahmin named Rama Iyer!! CLICK HERE.
Know your history!
CLICK HERE FOR YOUTUBE VIDEO ON THE INSCRIPTIONS.
(Unfortunately, the video narration is in Tamil, but the pictures tell a thousand words).
Yet another relic testifying to Malaysia's rich and varied history and heritage lies almost forgotten in the beautiful and serene grounds of the St.Anne's Church in Bukit Mertajam (BM), in the mainland part (as opposed to the island) of Penang.
The St.Anne's feast at this BM church draws huge crowds and international visitors every year in July.
The Batu Bersurat Cherok To'kun was discovered by Lt. Col. James Low in 1845. Interestingly, James Low was also the discoverer of the Kedah Annals or 'Merong Mahawangsa' (1849) and the Bujang Valley (1864) located some 15km from Sungai Petani in Kedah, all signs of the ancient significant Indian/Hindu/Buddhist presence in Malaysia. CLICK HERE FOR WIKIPEDIA ON BUJANG VALLEY.
The 6th century inscriptions in Sanskrit describe the heroic efforts of an Indian king, Ramaunibha, who vanquished and completely destroyed his enemies in a devastating battle. It warns that the same fate will befall all King Ramaunibha's enemies! More precisely it states:
(Unfortunately, the video narration is in Tamil, but the pictures tell a thousand words).
Yet another relic testifying to Malaysia's rich and varied history and heritage lies almost forgotten in the beautiful and serene grounds of the St.Anne's Church in Bukit Mertajam (BM), in the mainland part (as opposed to the island) of Penang.
The St.Anne's feast at this BM church draws huge crowds and international visitors every year in July.
The Batu Bersurat Cherok To'kun was discovered by Lt. Col. James Low in 1845. Interestingly, James Low was also the discoverer of the Kedah Annals or 'Merong Mahawangsa' (1849) and the Bujang Valley (1864) located some 15km from Sungai Petani in Kedah, all signs of the ancient significant Indian/Hindu/Buddhist presence in Malaysia. CLICK HERE FOR WIKIPEDIA ON BUJANG VALLEY.
The 6th century inscriptions in Sanskrit describe the heroic efforts of an Indian king, Ramaunibha, who vanquished and completely destroyed his enemies in a devastating battle. It warns that the same fate will befall all King Ramaunibha's enemies! More precisely it states:
1. I acknowledge the enemies of the contented King Ramaunibha and the wicked are ever afflicted.
2. This is said by Manikatha, the protector of all great Buddhas.
3. In every form of life Knowledge becomes manifest everywhere and in every way.
4. Karma, which sports with passion, is the cause of transmigration.
The entire area, including Cherok To'kun and Seberang Prai (Province Wellesley) including Penang, was part of ancient Kedaram, the Indian name from which Malaysia's Kedah is derived.
Which part of India this King Ramaunibha came from or who his enemies were in Malaya that he decimated, are not stated. Perhaps, more details and discoveries can be found in the yet unexcavated part of the boulder and surrounding area. A short walk away, behind the church, are to be found more rocks and boulders and hills which may have been have been quarried for granite.
James Low's name can be seen clearly carved on the rocks, as well as some graffiti. This location and the boulder has been gazetted as a heritage site since the '70's. The rock is well protected by a roofed shed.
Cherok To'kun is also, of course, the birthplace of Anwar Ibrahim (1947), whose grandfather, according to one source, was a Tamil Brahmin named Rama Iyer!! CLICK HERE.
Know your history!