The Guardians of Hanlin: Unearthing a Colossal Statue and a New Chapter in Pyu History
90
By Hsu (NP News) - Sep 12
When the ancient city of Hanlin was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on June 22, 2014, together with the cities of Beikthano and Sri Ksetra, Myanmar celebrated a historic milestone. For the first time, the nation had sites officially recognized as treasures of humanity—reminders of its deep-rooted civilization and culture.
But the story of Hanlin did not end with the UNESCO listing. In many ways, it was only the beginning. Continued archaeological excavations since then have brought to light new revelations that challenge earlier assumptions about this Pyu-era city and offer a rare window into Myanmar’s distant past.
Redrawing the Ancient Map
For decades, scholars believed that the royal city walls of Hanlin were rectangular. Excavations, however, have overturned that assumption. The fortifications, it turns out, were not rectangular but square in design. This seemingly simple correction forced archaeologists to redraw maps of the ancient city’s layout, revising long-held theories about its urban planning and defense systems.
The adjustment was more than cartographic. It showed that the builders of Hanlin employed a degree of symmetry and precision that had not previously been credited to them. This revelation added another layer to the understanding of Pyu urban design, which continues to intrigue researchers.
The Stone That Was More Than a Stone
One of the most remarkable discoveries came in the form of a sandstone slab. At first glance, it looked like nothing more than a weathered piece of rock. Yet closer inspection revealed faint carvings resembling human features—eyebrows, hair, lips. What initially appeared to be a plain stone might, in fact, have been a statue, a human figure carved in stone thousands of years ago.
Nearby, a mound revealed even more mysteries, prompting further exploration. Using magnetic surveying techniques, archaeologists detected the shadow of a solid structure beneath the earth. The tantalizing discovery hinted at further buried treasures waiting to be revealed.
But excavation was not straightforward. The sandstone was fragile and cracked. Hasty digging could reduce it to dust upon contact with air. Specialists recommended laboratory treatment and protective measures. Following international best practices, the Hanlin team constructed a temporary shelter on-site to create controlled conditions for careful excavation.
Echoes of Beikthano
The discovery drew parallels with earlier finds at Beikthano. At the entrance to its royal palace, archaeologists had uncovered massive sandstone feet—remnants of guardian statues that once flanked the city gates. Though only the lower fragments survived, their size spoke of imposing figures designed to awe and protect.
At Hanlin, the sandstone slab suggested a similar tradition. Researchers speculated that colossal statues once guarded its gates as well. Unlike Beikthano, however, Hanlin’s find held the promise of a complete statue—if only it could be safely preserved.
The Colossal Guardian
That promise was fulfilled when Hanlin’s archaeologists eventually unearthed a massive sandstone sculpture. Measuring an astonishing 11 feet 6 inches in height and 5 feet in width, the piece was discovered lying face down in the soil at a city gate.
Because of its immense size and fragile condition, the statue was left underground for years until a suitable structure could be built to protect it. When finally brought to light, it became one of the most significant Pyu-era discoveries in decades.
The find was not without challenges. Excavations continued even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when most government offices rotated with two-week breaks. Hanlin’s team, however, worked tirelessly in the field, determined to preserve the artifact. Their perseverance ensured that the colossal guardian could be shown to the public with minimal damage—a triumph of dedication and skill.
Hanlin in the Pyu World
Compared with Sri Ksetra and Beikthano, Hanlin has yielded fewer classic Pyu remains. Sri Ksetra boasts grand Buddhist stupas and countless burial urns. Beikthano holds sprawling brick structures and cemeteries filled with urns. Hanlin, on the other hand, tells a different story.
Excavations reveal that Iron Age artifacts dominate its cemeteries, with intact body burials rather than clustered urns. Only a few rare urns from the Pyu period have been found, and these seem to have been incorporated into architectural traditions rather than into formal cemeteries. The lingering question remains: where are Hanlin’s Pyu burial grounds?
Hanlin does, however, preserve other unique features. Mound No. 22 contains Middle Stone Age artifacts—stone tools used in burial customs—suggesting continuity of earlier traditions even into the Pyu era.
A City of Innovation and Defense
Hanlin’s city gates reveal a sophistication beyond that of its Pyu counterparts. Defensive structures, stone catapult balls, and arrowheads found near the gates demonstrate its military readiness. Its water management system was equally impressive.
To the east lies the vast Naga Yone Lake, a reservoir that supplied the city with water. Archaeologists speculate that elements of this hydraulic system may have inspired Sri Ksetra’s own waterworks. The similarities point to a shared cultural and technological legacy across Pyu cities.
Linking the Pyu Cities
The discovery of the guardian statue is not just a local triumph for Hanlin. It carries implications for understanding the broader Pyu civilization. By comparing Hanlin’s finds with Beikthano’s fragments and pottery from Maingmaw, scholars argue that Hanlin may represent a transitional stage between these settlements.
Recent digs in Hanlin’s northern sector have unearthed brick walls, irrigation canals, and water distribution systems—all evidence of a highly organized city that bridged Myanmar’s Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Pyu traditions.
Preserving a Fragile Treasure
Despite its UNESCO status, Hanlin faces threats of deterioration. Political instability and limited resources have hampered large-scale conservation. Without stronger protection, invaluable artifacts may be lost.
The story of Hanlin is not just about archaeological discoveries. It is also about responsibility. This ancient city embodies layers of Myanmar’s past—from Stone Age tools to Iron Age burials to Pyu fortifications. Its colossal guardian statue, buried for centuries, is a symbol of resilience and heritage.
For Myanmar’s people, safeguarding Hanlin is not simply about preserving stones and relics. It is about protecting a narrative of identity that stretches back thousands of years.
Looking Forward
As archaeologists continue their painstaking work, Hanlin offers both questions and answers. It challenges earlier theories, provides evidence of cultural continuity, and reveals innovations in defense and water systems. Most importantly, it stands as a reminder that Myanmar’s history is still being written—not only in books but also in the soil beneath its ancient cities.
Hanlin is more than just a World Heritage Site frozen in time. It is a living chronicle of Myanmar’s journey through time. To preserve it is to safeguard the legacy of a nation’s origins, innate creativity, and enduring spirit.
Reference:
Living Myanmar Media Group
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19gYngwDPH