Sumatra, also known as the Island of Gold, may have finally been able to discover the site of an infamous Indonesian kingdom that was renowned for its gold treasures.
Over the past five years, fishermen have found a remarkable treasure trove in the Musi River, near Palembang. It includes gemstones, coins, gold ceremonial rings and bronze monks’ bells.
One of the most amazing finds to date is a life-size jewel-encrusted Buddha statue from the 8th century. It is worth millions.
These artifacts belonged to the civilisation of Srivijaya, a powerful kingdom that existed between the 7th- and 13th centuries. It mysteriously vanished a century later.
MailOnline was informed by Dr Sean Kingsley (a British maritime archaeologist) that “great explorers have hunted as far as Thailand or India for Srivijaya, with no luck.”
Sumatra, also known as the Island of Gold, may have finally found the site of an infamous Indonesian kingdom that was known for its gold treasures. For the past five years, fishermen exploring the Musi River, near Palembang, have hauled a staggering treasure trove from the depths – including this life-size 8th-century AD bronze Buddhist statue, studded with precious gems, and worth millions
These artifacts belonged to the civilisation Srivijaya, which was a powerful kingdom in the 7th and 13th centuries that mysteriously disappeared a century later. Left: a small gold and gem ring with claws, possibly worn by a sacred bird; right: a 21.5cm buffalo and rider ornament
Dr Sean Kingsley, a British marine archaeologist, stated that “great explorers have searched high and low for Srivijaya as far as Thailand and India, but with no luck.” Above: A twisted-gold wire ring with semiprecious gem.
Sumatra was known as the Island of Gold in ancient times. It was rich in natural resources and gold deposits. It was an early point of entry for trade in Southeast Asia. Pictured: A few of the gold rings, beads, and sandalwood-gold coins of Srivijaya that were found on the seabed of the River Musi in Palembang during the 7th-10th centuries.
The sixth and seventh centuries saw an increase in Asian maritime trade. A huge Chinese market opened up. The export of Indonesian goods to China increased due to a growing demand for Buddhist rituals. Above: A Srivijayan stamp seal applied to a precious gem
‘Even at Palembang the traditional location for the vanished kingdom archaeologists failed even to find enough pottery to boast even small villages. Srivijaya is the last great lost kingdom on Earth and has guarded its secrets with jealousy.
He stated that extraordinary stuff had been emerging over the past five year. All types of coins, gold and Buddhist statues in gold, gems, and all the other things you might see in Sinbad the Sailor. It’s real.
Sumatra was known as the Island of Gold in ancient times. It was rich in natural resources and gold deposits. It was an early point of entry for trade in Southeast Asia.
The sixth and seventh centuries saw an increase in Asian maritime trade with a large Chinese market opening up.
An increase in demand for Buddhist rituals led to the export of Indonesian products to China.
Dr Kingsley stated that, ‘Aside from the astonishing finds of gold and jewels in the riverbed, tons of Chinese coins were found and even more sunken ceramics.
“The pots and pans at Srivijaya show how a rainbow people lived. Goods were imported from India and Persia as well as masses of tablewares from the great Chinese kilns.
“This is where the first blue and white porcelain dishes were created, which would make it the best brand in all of the world.
He has revealed his research in the autumn issue of Wreckwatch magazine, which he also edits. The 180-page autumn publication, which focuses on China as well as the Maritime Silk Road, includes the Srivijayan study.
He wrote: “From the depths have surfaced glittering Gold and Jewels befitting This Richest of Kingdoms – everything, from tools of trade to weapons of war to relics in religion.
‘From the forgotten temples and places to worship have appeared bronze Buddhist figurines in gold and bronze, and bronze temple door-knockers bearing Kala’s demonic face. Kala is Hindu legend’s mythical head who churned oceans to make an elixir for immortality.
The bells and ceremonial rings made of gold are studded with rubies by the ‘Bronze monks. They are also adorned in four-pronged golden vajrasceptres that represent the Hindu symbol of the thunderbolt and the deity’s weapon, the sceptres.
“Exquisitely made of gold, the sword handles would have graced royal courtesans’ sides, while bronze mirrors, hundreds of gold rings, many with enigmatic figures and symbols, and hundreds of gold earrings, resurrect the glory of a merchant-aristocracy going through its daily business, stamping shipping manifests in the palace complex.
Dr Kingsley described Srivijaya as a waterworld’ with people living along the river.
He believes that their ‘wooden homes, palaces, and temples all fell with all their goods’ when civilisation ended in the 14th Century.
Srivijaya ruled at its height the arteries and markets of the Maritime Silk Road. This was a huge market where local, Chinese, as well as Arab goods, were traded.
He said, “While the western Mediterranean was entering the dark ages of the eighth century,” a great kingdom erupted on the map of south-east Asia.
“For more than 300 years, the rulers in Srivijaya controlled the trade routes between imperial China and the Middle East.
“Srivijaya was the international crossroads of the finest produce of our age.” Its rulers amassed legendary wealth.
It is not clear how large the kingdom of the population is.
MailOnline was told by Dr Kingsley that he had not seen any solid statistics for Srivijaya’s population. They didn’t do a census, unfortunately.
Dr Kingsley has published his research on the autumn issue Wreckwatch magazine. Kingsley also edits the magazine. The 180-page autumn publication includes the Srivijayan research. It focuses on China, the Maritime Silk Road and other areas. Above: Gem-studded jewellery
Other than the night dives that were conducted by local fishing boats, there have been no official excavations. This leaves many unanswered questions. Left: A bronze Buddhist figurine. Right: Another ornament among the treasure haul
Srivijaya’s power was built on its control over international sea trade. It established trade relations not just with the Malay Archipelago states, but also with China & India. (Above, part the treasure haul
According to the travellers of the age, the kingdom was “very many”. Chroniclers claimed that Srivijaya had so much islands, that no one knew its limits.
“The capital had 20,000 soldiers, 1,000 monks, and 800 money lenders. This gives you an idea of how impressive the population was.
“Look at the size and importance of Borobudur’s great pilgrimage centre, which was funded by the king of Srivijaya’s golden vaults.
“In the 10th Century, eastern Java’s population was 3-4million people. Java is smaller even than Sumatra, where Palembang (the capital of Srivijaya) has risen.
Aerial view and, above it, a locatormap show where local fishing crews found the valuable artifacts.
Fisherman prepare to free dive in the River Musiat Palembang with a hookah breath system and an iron chain as a weight belt, looking for sunken treasure.
It is not known why the kingdom fell. Kingsley wonders whether the kingdom succumbed to the same fate as Pompeii.He speculates.
The Guardian reported that aside from the night dives by local fishing crews there have not been any official excavations. This leaves many questions unanswered.
Before they can be examined by experts, the artifacts discovered so far are being sold off to antique dealers.
“They are lost to all the world. Vast swathes, which include a stunning, life-size Buddhist statue with precious gems, have been lost from the international antiquities market.
“Newly discovered, the story about the rise and fall Srivijaya’s is dying anew, without being told.”
The autumn issue of Wreckwatch magazine features the research.
Palembang, an ancient and early modern settlement on Sumatra, was built largely in the water. Dr Kingsley described Srivijaya as a waterworld’ with people living along the river. He believes that Srivijaya’s ‘wooden houses and palaces, as well as all their goods, all fell when civilisation ended in 14th century.