The architectural relics unearthed at Kompong Thmo pagoda, also known as the Lo Gach pagoda, in Tra Vinh southern province, carry features from the southwest region’s Oc Eo Culture, which was heavily influenced by the Indian culture, experts said following a recent excavation at the site.

Scene at the Lo Gach pagoda excavation site

Located in Ba Se A, Luong Hoa commune, Chau Thanh district, the relic site consists of two large-scale areas – one inside the pagoda’s complex and the other in the vicinity. 

Excavations of an area of 778 sq.m dug up six brick architectural constructions sprawling across an estimated 4,500-5,000 sq. m.  

These constructions were found to share similarities with architectural relics found at Go Thanh relic site in Tien Giang and Go Xoai relic site in Long An. Both sites trace back to the Oc Eo civilisation, which was well-known for its canals, temples and tombs built from bricks and stones.

Gold sheets that had elephant images carved on them found at the Lo Gach pagoda and in Go Thanh were strikingly alike, as both are Buddhist architectural structures dating back to the period between the 8th and 9th centuries AD.

Other findings also include remnants of earthen ramparts to the west of Lo Gach pagoda.

These results have prompted the Tra Vinh People’s Committee to ask the Ministry of Cultura, Sports and Tourism to consider recognizing the Bo Luy – Lo Gach pagoda relic complex as a national archaeological site.

VNA