The Journal of the Siam Society Vol. LXIV, Part 1-2, 1976 - Khamkoo

HEVIEW AHTICLES 273
granite proof confirming so much that bad been foreshadowed in
our many recordings. The Malay Annals describe bow, on conversion
to Islam, the Malays destroyed their idols, and this may
explain why so few relics of Siva have been discovered in Malaya.
But this granite Sivalingam they could not destroy. For centuries
it had lain beneath the mud of this paddy field, until recently
when it was brought to the surface by a farmer working his paddy
plough. And I was soon to learn that six others bad been
discovered in the region of Yarang.
Of legends concerning the city l was told there were few ..
Some· people said it was once the capital of Pattani, and that its
former name was Gob Ta Maha Likay. One of the kings was
called Gorok Maba Cbantra who was also known by the name
of Sri Wangsa, but that is all. I noted the names mechanically in
my book, and then looked again in surprise. SRI WANGSA. The
letters stared at me from the page.
"But Sri Mahawangsa was the King of Langasuka," I said.
"This I cannot say," he replied simply.
"Where is Bukit Sankalakilee ?"
some excitement.
''It is here in tbis village," he replied.
I asked the headman in
"But how could this ruined city be thecapitalofakingdom ?"
I asked in bewilderment, "We are at least fifteen miles from the
River Pattani."
"Ah, that is easy to explain," he replied, "The Pattani River
has from time to. time changed its course. In ancient times it
flowed within a mile of Yarang." My thoughts went back in
gratitude to the Menora dancer, the lady from Langasuka, whom
we had met in the train. (Quotation ends, pp. 164-167.)
Nai Manit Vallipotama, a southern-born scholar, gives the same
identification for Langasuka. Yarang should certainly be excavated.
Perhaps it would be possible lay to the ghost of Lakawn Suka, which of
course should not be confused with the Lakorn Chaisri of the 7th century
(section 2, pp. i 79-183 ). Also of course a few fairies might be found,
who knows?