Abstract:
This study aimed to unravel obscure problems at “Khok Chang Din Ruins” (earthen elephant enclosure). The results were applied to archaeological interpretation in terms of the importance of these ruins for local communities in the past. Two main methods were used for the palaeo-environmental study comprising: 1) Site survey with topographic map on scale 1:50,000 and aerial photos, and reconstructed ancient models of Khok Chang Din ruins; 2) Sedimentation processes were studied by excavation at two test pits, 2 x 2 m2within three Khok Chang Din ruins. Soil samples were collected for pollen analysis. Long trenches across the dyke of Khok Chang Din No.1 and 2 were excavated by a mechanical backhoe for this study.
The results of the sedimentation analysis of the three Khok Chang Din ruinsin conjunction with the site topographic study suggested that Dvaravatians constructed three enclosures to keep water. Sediment layers and pollen analysis show that when first constructed, these ruins were used for water storage for a long time. Moreover, Khok Chang Din No.1 and 3 might be a holy reservoir used for Brahman ceremonies as well as for water storage because these sites also hadsanctuaries. Later, sediments influxed to accumulate in the enclosures. Thus, it isexpected that these ponds were abandoned. Recently people have found these enclosures surrounded by a high dyke they believe was an elephant enclosure and is now called “Khok Chang Din”. Based on pollen analysis, they were at one time in a swampy palaeo-environment. The archaeological artifacts found in several difference layer were from the same Dvaravati period. The water had been transported from outside to accumulate within the enclosures, so they werenot suitable for dating sedimentation layers. In future work, it will be better interpretation to apply scientific dating such as carbon-14 or thermoluminescence techniques for dating.