Klon Do
| Native Name | กลอนโด, ក្លូនដូ |
|---|---|
| Alternative name | Klon Do Ancient City, Muang Klon Do, Klong Ko |
| BA# | T71001 |
| CISARK# | 4228 |
| Size | Medium |
| Condition | Tuol |
| Type | Temple |
| Location | |
| Commune | Klon Do |
| District | Dan Makham Tia |
| Province | Kanchanaburi |
| Country | Thailand |
| Coordinates | 13.92256, 99.42439 |
| History | |
| Founded | Late 12th, Early 13th Century |
| Builder | Jayavarman VII, Indravarman II |
| Art Style | Bayon |
| Material | Laterite |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Deity | Lokeshavara |
Klon Do (กลอนโด - Pronounced: Klon Doh)
Intriguing and relatively remote site situated some 30kms southeast of Muang Sing and 20kms southwest of the modern-day provincial capital. The site forms a square shape (250m x 260m to be precise) - and is orientated to approximately 85 degrees with traces of a now dry baray or reservoir aligned along its northern side and measuring 90m x 120m.
While no standing structures remain today, raised earthen features, containing brick and laterite fragments, indicate a surrounding wall with east and west gates, or gopuras, and a central shrine. Local residents also report that a moat used to be visible, (since destroyed by agricultural work), as was a ruined brick tower with some sandstone blocks. Pottery and roof tiles have been found by the FAD and have been dated to the late 12th century Bayon period. It appears that the site was occupied for only a brief time and there is evidence of a catastrophic fire in the early 13th century, after which the site was permanently abandoned.
Some debate has ensued as to the precise nature of the site which has been variously described as a city, settlement, fortress, or even military barracks. In our opinion, the relatively small size of the site points to a typical, walled temple compound and as such the moat and enclosing wall served both military and religious functions while the enclosed area would have contained the more important buildings of a surrounding settlement.
At the time of the site's occupation, it would have been a very remote frontier settlement and the establishment of a garrison position, protecting routes between Muang Sing, (Jayasinghapura), Jayarajapura and Pecthaburi to the south, is predictable. Thai historians have suggested the site was sacked by local tribes, during the early 13th century Angkorian decline, on their way to 'liberate' settlements further north in present-day Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi provinces.
The same Thai historians, (see the excellent article in our external links section below), have suggested that the unusual name Klon Do - or Klon Ko to employ its older name - is a corruption of the Khmer krol ko, meaning cattle pen or stables. (Perhaps this refers to bringing cattle into the protected area during moments of danger?)
Fascinating site and we'll be interested to see what possible plans the FAD may have for further excavations and potential future renovation of Khon Do.
Map Location
Image Gallery
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Historic Archive
A collection of historic photographs, artist sketches, maps etc. (Please ensure that anything you do upload is free of copyright and/or you have permission from the original photographer/artist/author to share)
Nearby Sites
- Ban Kao National Museum
- Ban Lum Din
- Jayarajapura
- Jayasinghapura
- Klon Do
- Muang Krud
- Muang Sing Historical Park Exhibition Hall
- Muang Sing Monument 2
- Muang Sing Monument 3
- Muang Sing Monument 4
- Nong Pru (Sai Yok)
- Phong Tuek
- Phong Tuek Site 1
- Prasat Muang Sing
- Ratchaburi National Museum
- Tham Rishi
- Wat Aranyikawat
- Wat Dong Sak
- Wat Mahathat Worawiharn (Ratchaburi)
External Links
Links to additional resources such as articles, websites, videos etc.
Excellent description and photographs of the Klon Do site
References