A WALK DOWN THE HISTORICAL MEMORY LANE
Inner Wheel Club of Alor Setar
17 Aug 2023
Four Inner Wheel members and die-hard history buffs attended a talk on the Chronicles of Merong Mahawangsa on 17 August 2023 held at the Archaeological Museum in Bujang Valley, Kedah.
The most mind-boggling talk was delivered by two researchers, and members felt like they were being transported into another era. The scholars took the audience through the fascinating stories of the ancient history of Kedah, specifically about a brave and skilled warrior named Merong Mahawangsa and his descendants who ruled the land.
Some believe that this warrior, Merong, was a mere mortal, while the more die-hard romantics are convinced that he possessed powers beyond human comprehension. The chronicles continue to say that Merong Mahawangsa’s presence radiated an aura of strength and protection for the people of the land, be it in times of battle or raging storms.
Whether he was a mortal man with extraordinary powers or a mythical hero, one thing is certain - more research is needed to verify the various historical records that are currently available and put the minds of doubters and cynics at peace.
Members then took a stroll around the valley which houses the ancient ‘chandis’. These temple ruins stand proudly as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the bygone eras, with the walls depicting scenes of deities and mythical creatures.
It was a humbling experience indeed, a connection to one of the oldest civilizations in Southeast Asia. The members could not help but feel a deep sense of pride to stand in the presence of such remarkable artifacts, and that they belong to a state that has clearly etched a history of epic proportions.
~ Padmini Pillai