Langkasuka

Quick Facts: Who was Langkasuka?

Subject:

Langkasuka

Known for:

Ancient Hindu-Buddhist kingdom on the Malay Peninsula, influential in early Southeast Asian trade.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Langkasuka was an ancient Malay Hindu-Buddhist kingdom located in the Malay Peninsula. Langkasuka is generally believed to have existed from the 2nd to 15th century, and to have been established by descendants of Ashoka the Great. The kingdom, along with Old Kedah, is among the earliest kingdoms founded on the Malay Peninsula. The exact location of the kingdom is of some debate, but archaeological discoveries at Yarang near Pattani, Thailand suggest a probable location. The kingdom is proposed to have been established in the 1st century, perhaps between 80 and 100 AD.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

According to the legend given in the Kedah Annals, the kingdom was founded and named by Merong Mahawangsa. Another proposal derives the name from langkha and Ashoka, the Mauryan king who turned to Buddhism after his conquests. On this reading the early Indian colonisers of the Malayic Isthmus named the kingdom in his honour. Chinese historical sources provided some information on the kingdom and recorded a king Bhagadatta who sent envoys to the Chinese court. The earliest and most detailed description of the kingdom comes from the Chinese Liang dynasty (502–557) record Liangshu, which refers to the kingdom of "Lang-ya-xiu" (Chinese: 狼牙脩, Middle Chinese: lɑŋ ŋˠa sɨu).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The record mentions that the kingdom was founded over 400 years earlier, which made its founding likely in the 2nd century AD. According to Liangshu, "Lang-ya-xiu" or Langkasuka was 30 days' journey from east to west, and 20 from north to south, 24,000 li in distance from Guangzhou. It mentions that Aloeswood (Aquilaria) and camphor were abundant in the kingdom, and its capital was described as being surrounded by walls to form a city with double gates, towers and pavilions. Both men and women in Langkasuka wore sarongs with their torsos bare and their hair loose, although the king and senior officials covered their shoulders with cloth and wore gold earrings and belts of gold cord. Women of high status wrapped themselves in cloth and wore jeweled girdles.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Langkasuka

True or False: “Langkasuka's decline was solely due to internal strife and a lack of strong leadership.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While internal issues played a role, its decline was also significantly influenced by the expansion of neighboring powers like Funan and Srivijaya.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Langkasuka