Langkasuka: A Historical Kingdom of Southeast Asia

Langkasuka was a significant kingdom located in the region of modern Pattani in southern Thailand during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries CE. Additionally, the name Langkasuka was associated with a series of states on the Malay Peninsula dating back to the early first millennium. The kingdom’s historical relevance is evidenced by various records, particularly those of Chinese origin, which provide insights into its geographical, cultural, and political landscape.

The earliest mention of Langkasuka, under the name Lang-ya-hsiu, is found in a record of an embassy sent to China in 515 CE. This record, preserved in remarkable detail, describes Lang-ya-hsiu as a vast territory, spanning a thirty-day journey from east to west and a twenty-day journey from north to south. The inhabitants' attire was notably minimalistic, with both men and women typically wearing only a sarong. However, the king and senior officials distinguished themselves by covering their shoulders with cloth and adorning themselves with gold rings and belts. High-status women wrapped themselves in cotton cloth and wore jeweled girdles, indicating a society with distinct social stratification.

The city of Lang-ya-hsiu was described as a fortified settlement, enclosed by walls with double gates, towers, and pavilions. The king’s processions were elaborate, featuring the monarch riding an elephant shaded by a white parasol and fly whisk, accompanied by flags, banners, and drums, showcasing the kingdom’s grandeur and the well-appointed nature of its royal guard.

Further embassies from Lang-ya-hsiu to China were recorded in 523, 531, and 568 CE, but there are no mentions of such diplomatic missions after 568 CE. The cessation of records may suggest a decline or transformation in the kingdom’s status or external relations.

The Buddhist pilgrim I-Ching, in his travel accounts, located Lang-chia-shu southeast of Srikshetra (in the central Irrawaddy Valley of Myanmar) and west of Dvaravati (in central Thailand). This geographical context places Langkasuka as a crucial link between major cultural and trade centers in Southeast Asia.

During the early eleventh century, the Malay Peninsula, including Langkasuka, faced raids from the Chola dynasty of southern India. King Rajendra Chola’s inscription at Tanjore, dated 1030-1031 CE, lists Langkasuka among his conquests under the name Ilangashoka. This highlights the region’s significance and its interactions with powerful neighboring civilizations.

Archaeological excavations near the former site of Langkasuka have uncovered a brick structure that appears to have been a Buddhist sanctuary in the Indian style. Votive tablets with inscriptions suggest that the site was occupied from the late sixth to the eighth century. These findings align with historical records indicating that Langkasuka was a popular stop for Chinese Buddhist pilgrims on their way to India, further emphasizing its role as a religious and cultural hub.

In summary, Langkasuka was a prominent kingdom in the Malay Peninsula with a rich history of diplomatic, cultural, and religious significance. Its strategic location, detailed in Chinese records, and archaeological discoveries highlight its importance as a center of trade, culture, and pilgrimage in Southeast Asia.
Langkasuka: A Historical Kingdom of Southeast Asia