An ancient bell of the 14th century inscribed with some words in Mon language and a year of Myanmar Era was discovered on October 8 morning while digging was going on for the repair to the southern platform of the historic Kyaik Phyin Ku Pagoda in the Mottama mountain range in Paung Township, Mon State, according to the pagoda board of trustees.  

“The bell we have discovered is 11 inches in girth and about 7 inches in height. Its mouth is 7 inches in diameter. Experts say that the words on the bell are written in ancient Mon language. It also bears a year of Myanmar Era,” said a member of the pagoda board of trustees.

According to the researchers of the ancient Mon culture, the bell reads “703 Myanmar Era (AD-1341). The words written in ancient Mon language means that the bell was donated by Maha Htei (Senior Monk) Dhamma Raja Guna also known as Chinese Prince Theinga Wutta Maha Htei and that may the destroyer of the bell go to hell.

It is the earliest of the ancient bells that have been discovered in Myanmar. The Mon language seen on the bell is also the earliest of all Mon language inscriptions of successive eras. Moreover, it is a single inscription that represents Mottama Era.  

The repair and renovation work of the pagoda is being led by Nagamauk Sayadaw from Mawlamyine.