The inception of the Ancient Kingdom of Kedah took place in the 5th century, initially establishing Sungai Mas as its primary port before relocating to Lembah Bujang. The community of Ancient Kedah engaged in the trade of various commodities such as rattan, resin, sandalwood, and elephant ivory.
Early in Ancient Kedah's history, the influence of the Buddhist religion was prominent, succeeded later by the introduction of Hinduism. The remnants of temples in Lembah Bujang serve as tangible evidence of the Hindu-Buddhist influence. Spanning an area of 144 square miles, this valley is demarcated by Bukit Choras to the north, Sungai Muda to the south, the Strait of Malacca to the east, and the North-South Expressway to the west.
Lembah Bujang, also recognized as Sungai Batu, stood as a site of early Hindu civilization in the Malay Peninsula. Archaeological studies unveil remnants of jetties, iron smelting sites, and brick constructions dating back to 110 AD. Traders traversing the eastern and western routes acknowledged the strategic significance of Lembah Bujang.
Archaeological findings also point to the historical ties between Lembah Bujang and civilizations in China, Srivijaya, India, and the Middle East. The prosperity of this valley captivated the interest of traders from India, China, and the Arab world.
The construction of temples provides clear evidence that, from the early period until the 20th century AD, Lembah Bujang maintained a close association with maritime trading endeavors in Asia, China, the Middle East, and India.
Lembah Bujang's Historical Prosperity
