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The Rise of Sri Ksetra: A Flourishing Pyu City-State in 673 CE
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In the year 673 CE, Sri Ksetra (also spelled Srikshetra) emerged as one of the most prominent city-states of the Pyu people, an ancient civilization that flourished in what is now modern-day Myanmar (Burma). The Pyu were among the earliest inhabitants of the region, and their city-states played a crucial role in the cultural and political development of Southeast Asia.
Sri Ksetra, located near the Irrawaddy River in central Myanmar, became a major center of trade, religion, and governance. The city was strategically positioned along important trade routes that connected India, China, and other parts of Southeast Asia, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices.
The city was renowned for its impressive urban planning, featuring a circular layout with massive brick walls and moats. Within its walls, Sri Ksetra boasted grand temples, stupas, and palaces, many of which were adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions. The most famous of these structures is the Bawbawgyi Pagoda, a towering cylindrical stupa that remains one of the oldest and most significant religious monuments in Myanmar.
Sri Ksetra was also a center of Theravada Buddhism, which had been introduced to the region by Indian missionaries. The city became a hub for Buddhist scholarship and practice, attracting monks and pilgrims from across Asia. The Pyu people were known for their devotion to Buddhism, and their religious practices and art had a lasting influence on the cultural landscape of Myanmar.
The rise of Sri Ksetra in 673 CE marked a period of prosperity and stability for the Pyu civilization. The city-state's wealth was derived from its agricultural surplus, particularly rice cultivation, as well as its control over trade routes. Sri Ksetra's influence extended beyond its borders, as it established diplomatic and trade relations with neighboring regions, including the Mon kingdoms and the Chinese Tang Dynasty.
However, the prominence of Sri Ksetra was not to last indefinitely. By the 9th century, the city began to decline, possibly due to a combination of factors such as internal strife, external invasions, and shifts in trade routes. The Pyu civilization eventually gave way to the rise of the Bamar (Burmese) people, who established the Pagan Kingdom in the 11th century.
Despite its decline, Sri Ksetra left an indelible mark on the history of Myanmar. The city's archaeological remains, including its temples, inscriptions, and artifacts, provide valuable insights into the Pyu civilization and its contributions to the cultural and religious heritage of Southeast Asia. Today, Sri Ksetra is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving the legacy of a once-great city-state that thrived in the heart of ancient Myanmar.