Thành Nêlê, Tháp ASoka (Adục vương) ở đâu?- (tiep)
In the same way, Asso. Prof Nguyen Quang Ngoc (The rector of Vietnamese studies) stated: The ancient maps by Dang Ngoai and bibliographies by Holland later both marked Ngoc island, that is Ngoc mountain (Mau Son with Tuong Long tower today). As well, Dr Gutzlaff (1864) in “Geography of the Cochichina Empire”and William Dampier (1688) pointed out that international navigators usually followed waterway to Do Son toward Van Uc river and the land mark for the river was the big, high and long mountain of Voi.”
On the restored stone stele in Can Thien (or Quan Muc at present) pagoda, which was put up in the fourth month of Binh Tuat, under King Phuc Thai dynasty (1646), near Van Uc river source, Do Son, where Chu Dong Tu had ever stepped says: “…In the place located Trieu Lai pagoda in the east of Do Son, Tan Hai river source in the south of Do Son, and the big river in the north is Lao Phong... This is also the land of gifted people’s gathering. On the streets, wagons and vehicles of travelers and affluent people continually flocked. This is also the place where candidates for royal examination and businessmen assembled. Most of all, goods and wealth from a variety of places were available here. The area was really a wonderful landscapes belonging to ocean…”
Bach Dang river’s source and Do Son peninsular are in the shape of arytenoids, the edge of which occupies the mainland. Most of the world’s big ports, including Rotterdam in Europe, are in the same shape. The area has the top in Ben Trieu, the basic lines come along Phu Long-Cat Hai- Do Son. The geographical characteristics and the rough border with sea are owing to Cat Ba island’s defense in the east and the southeast and Do Son peninsular in the west.
Cat Hai-Do Son, Hai Phong is between Nam Trieu and Huyen Lach, defending the swamp of Bach Dang river's mouth. People here tell that Cat Hai in the past shares the border with Do Son and that "cock’s cooing in the morning… "could be heard by people in the both places. One of the very clear evidences about the sea' expansion, the rising sea water level lays in the ancient stone bridge staying in its origin being exposed to nature in the swamp in Gia Loc.
Bach Dang river's mouth is composed of Thuy Nguyen, Haiphong, overlooking Do Son. based on archaeological relics, Mr Tong Trung Tin, the rector of Vietnam Archaeology Studies Institute came to conclusion: "….The area used to be the centre of polictics, economy and trading under Han's dynasty.” for the density of Han graves existing in the area, where the most affluent ancient graves in our country could be found. Han graves contain valuable and precious objects showing that the owner of those graves were likely to be very wealthy and powerful in the area.
Existing traces from Dong Son culture such as Dong Son pottery in Ao Coi, Xe Bac, Dong Son pottery-kiln in Tung Goi, Dong Son bronze axe in Bai Ben together with pottery pieces, bronze seals engraved with Han merchants' names,... support the fact that Cat Ba, Cat Hai, Do Son used to be the trading centre of Viet people.
The fact that Haiphong used to be the outstanding trading centre would also be seen in the presence of sediment caves, trading places, Da Hoa (Da Trang)cave with Pongo fossils, the old trading port, workshops to make precious drill bits, sand banks, arca dunes.
In addition to Cat Ba, Thuy Nguyen, Kien An, An Lao, Tien Lang,... which surrounds 9 mountains in Do Son, owns archaeological sites to represent the variety of an old civilization in Haiphong in pre-historic time. Moreover, Dong Son cultures contribute approving that the area itself and the people had enthusiastically developed and enriched the sea culture of Van Lang under Hung King's ruling.
Collected objects from Dong Son and Pre-Dong Son age in Haiphong are devices that fishermen often used like dars, fish hooks… Besides, designs on brass drums and terri-cotta jars describe features of water cultures, for illustration, tattooing, sea harvest,…Similarly, decorations on brass drums and terri-cotta jars are of sea creatures like co, vac, nong…
According to “Wikipedia”: W.Solheime contends: A big number of boats with curved prows and bent rudders engraved in many Dong Son brass drums. Many geographers, travelers, evangelizers and even diplomatic from Eastern and Western countries, for instance, Ptoleme, Phap Hien, Macco Polo, Trinh Hoa,… had been to this area. They were greatly attracted by the China Sea. They came here to visit, to record and hand over the later generations invaluable documents.
Exhibitions from Dong Son age (from century VIII-VI to the century I-III BC) are reliable historical evidences for the presence of relics from Hung King in Haiphong. Viet Khe grave with various precious brass devices must have belonged to a navy leader or a very rich merchant, which all shows that Haiphong is certain to be a very developed centre in pre-historic ages.
The peak development of Pre-Dong Son age’s culture is well-known with precious stone workshops in Trang Kenh, Dong Son various exhibitions in Thuy Nguyen, Kien An, Voi mountain, Tien Lang,…(parts of An Dinh in the past). Those places were those with high density of population and ancient graves, especially boat graves. The typical of sea culture is also able to be manifested with boat graves like An Son, Duc Lien, Ha Te, Luoc mountain in Thuy Nguyen, Quyet Tien in Tien Lang in Haiphog, Dong Son brass collections in Deo, Nang and Tieu Tuong mountains,…
Old bibliography had mentioned the navy under the control of the General Le Chan in Hai Ba Trung revolution. Le Chan was in charge of fighting against the navy by Ma Vien from the North and was, at the same time, given the principal mission to defend in Haiphong shore- the most important gateway of the country in China Sea. Le Chan’s statue has been placed in many places in Haiphong for worship.
Regarding to ages, the time Asoka sent a group of Buddism propagandists to Southeast Asia coincidences with the end of Dong Son culture (the end of Hung King dynasty and the beginning of An Duong Vuong’s). Dong Son archaeological relics can demonstrate for the heyday at the time. Mao Khe, Dong Trieu, Uong Bi connected Luy Lau and Thuy Nguyen, Voi mountain and Tien Lang to Do Son, Haiphong , which was then the most developing centre of politics, economy and culture in Van Lang-Au Lac.
In the old day, the access to Giao Chi for trade with neighboring countries was made through rivers and Hong river’s branches in Haiphong. Spontaneously, interval stations such as Thuy Nguyen, Dong Trieu, Mao Khe, Do Son, Tien Lang were crated for staying, goods trading, fresh water. The development of trade had made the area well-inhabited together with that of commerce and craft (wooden and painted furniture in Duong Du tombs have very few differences compared with those of today). In Van Bun, Do Son, there have been old wells which continue to supply water for the local people. In Doan Xa some old wells are still seen (one was filled in).
“Nhat Da Trach” records that Chu Dong Tu had accepted to trade at sea (Haiphong port now, the former well-off trading centre of Van Lang) with a foreign merchant. The wealthy merchant called on the island to get fresh water and met monk Phat Quang and then was introduced Buddhism by him. Later the monk offered Chu Dong Tu a stick and a leaf cone nad talked to him “those will play a role as keys for all magic powers”…
• The following noteworthy features about Chu Dong Tu need to be put into consideration:
• He met the wealthy merchant
• He traded at sea
• He came over Quynh Vien (Quynh Vi) for fresh water
• He met Phat Quang (monk Ban)
• He was introduced Buddhism and magics by Phat Quang (monk Ban)
After the dysentery of the canal for the third time, together with enthusiastic support by King Asoka and the superior monk Moggaliputta Tissa, Buddhist Association had sent nine group of propagandists to regions within India and overseas, of which the eight one lead by Sona and Uttara traveled to Kim Dia that was composed of Myama, Indo-China countries and a part of Malaysia. On their arrival to Vietnam, the delegation first visited Nele-Do Son, a member of the delegation turned out to be Phat Quang. At that time, Chu Dong Tu was doing business with the merchant at sea, visiting Do Son for fresh water and met monk Phat Quang (Ban Tang). To commemorate the event, the delegation built Asoka tower in Do Son, Haiphong.
In the century XI, king Ly Thanh Tong was on the waterway to fight against Chiem Thanh, passing Nele in Do Son. On hearing of Asoka tower, the king decided to put up a very nice tower (Tuong Long tower) in Do Son, which was located near the old tower, maybe right on the old ground of Asoka tower. Afterwards, Asoka tower in Nele, Do Son, Haiphong was talked about in “Eight poems about Do Son” by Mien Trai.
In: “Le Boudhisme en Annam des origines jusqu'au XIII è Siècle” (1932) - late Professor Tran Van Giap stated that Academic Institute had found a couple of invaluable books on Buddhism history within or near Haiphong. They are “Tam to thuc luc” kept in Phap Vu, Dong Lai, Vinh Lai (Hai Duong), which is Vinh bao now. The other is “Ngu che Thien uyen thong yeu ke dang luc” by Nhu Son, which is composed of 3 books, the wooden is stored in Nguyet Quang (that is Dong khe- Haiphong). Then in 1927, the institute found another book the title of which is “Thien uyen tap anh ngu luc” by a Confucian scholar in Haiphong.
Consequently, Buddhism had ever first been introduced and developed in Haiphong. On our fieldtrip, we have discovered the traces of a many very beautiful pagodas in Do Son, for example, Sung Khanh (with antique brass statue), Hoa hy in Cat Hai, Can Thien in Quan Muc (with a very big stele), Dong pagoda in Dai Hop,…
8. Asoka in natural citadel Nele in Do Son
Do Son peninsular was surrounded by sea in their three faces and by Hong river in the other. In the book : “Dai Nam nhat thong chi”, it is recorded : “ Do Son mountain is closed to sea with the perimeter of 30 dam, the height 800 truong and 9 mountains (the biggest is Mau Son)”. The geological structures here make Do Son employ the shape of a solid citadel for people in the past to inhabit, to settle and to defend the hardship of nature like flood, storm,. and invaders.
Long time ago, people frequently depended on caves to deal with storms and wild animals,… In the same way, monk Ban (Phat Quang) lived in Hang (Hang pagoda – Coc Tu) and presented Buddhism, which have been proved by the time, the location and archaeological objects at the end of Van Lang and the beginning of Au Lac.
Like Co Loa, Nele was surrounded with dimes but a bit smaller. The citadel employs 10 mountains to make fortification and sea with Hong river play to make moat.
Ships to Van Lang (then Au Lac) traveled along Hong, Thai Binh river or the barins of those rivers (that is Bach Dang, Cam Lacgh Tray, Van Uc or Da Do river’s branch passing Minh Lien,… When arriving to Do Son peninsular people could row to come around Nele.
Bach Dang or Van Uc river or Da Do (marked by Voi mountain) were all possible access to Van Lang, Au Lac. In addition, while observing from ancient map recording the time of sea expansion, Nele in Do Son-Haiphong in the past had big river mouths which occupied the mainland (very closed to Co Loa by An Duong Vuong) and plains with little alluvium. Equally, foreign merchants found it convenient to enter Van Lang, Au Lac by passing Nele in Do Son or Van Uc (marked by Voi mountain) or Bach Dang river to make the way to Luy Lau, Ke Cho, Hien street. Obviously, Nele-Do Son was really the ideal gateway for the communication between Van Lang with other countries, when water way seemed to be the choice for moving.
The group of Buddism propagandists sent by Asoka arrived in Vietnam by waterway, passing Nele-Do Son in Haiphong and stayed there. One of the member of the delegation monk Ban (Phat Quang then lived in hang pagoda in Do Son).To commemorate a successful voyage and propaganda, the delegation built Asoka tower in Do Son, Haiphong.
The story “Dam Thien Phap su” talked about 20 precious towers in Giao Chau. Whether the most ancient built from Asoka’s ruling which has attracted the attention of many researchers’ turns out to be in Nele in Do Son or in the area of Tuong Long tower in Do Son Haiphong. An Dinh was a suburban district, one of the ten in Giao Chi in Han’s dynasty. One area of the place and that of Ke Tu, Cai Lau belong to Haiphong now. According to “Thuy Kinh Chu”, Nele was in the Southeast of An Dinh whereas the area has only one peninsular called Do Son jutting out the sea toward Southeast direction.
Haiphong port- the old Bach Dang river source, Do Son is have been and will be significant of Northeast China Sea, playing the role of protecting the sovereignty, strengthening the inter-relationship between Vietnam and other countries regionally and overseas in terms of economy and culture. In Do Son, beside Tuong Long tower, we have discovered a number of relics which are really in need of being further studied by archaeology and whose names could be mentioned hereby, Asoka tower, Ban pagoda, Van Ban pagoda (the relic with ancient well in Van Bun), Phat Tich cave, Khanh Minh pagoda,.. Especially, Do Son has three faces are exposed to the sea, therefore, water archaeology should be paid attention for the clearance and confirmation of raised issues.
Do Son, on the one hand was the centre of economy, culture in pre-history, on the other hand, always had to cope with the likelihood of natural disinters and invasion of other countries. In fact, there used to be considerable changes in the area, which can be witnessed through parallel sentences in Tra Co (near Mong Cai, Quang Ninh):
"Tra Co was well-known for its communal house
" Do Son was renown for its prosperity"
People here never in their life forget their forefather and their original homeland- Do Son. Regrettably, time has witnessed the gradual disappearance of relics, the reason for which maybe lies in the hardship of nature, or in the destroy by dynasties of in war. As a matter of fact, Asoka tower was still seen but it apparently vanishes now.
Unfortunately, construction work done under Asoka dynasty in Do Son (Nele) should be hard to find for they are made of wood or engraved in rocks.
In " A brief introduction to art history" (South and Southeast Asia) by X.Mode (Veb Verlad Der Kunst Dresden Pulisher in 1978- Mockba Uckycctbo _1978) refered to a Greek named Megaphen who was sent by Xelep Nikato (about 302 BC) described the concept of "Indica", a term referred to architectures in Mauryan under Asoka dynasty as follows: "... the city of Patalyputra , the capital of Mauryan locates in a area of 2k2 and is surrounded with a very big and solid fence and large dime full of water. There are 70 towers for defending and the entrance to the city is through 4 big gates. The mansion of the leader, according to Megaphen, is made of wood...." In the same book, monk Phap Hien - a Chinese monk who came to Patalyputra in the early 5th century thought: …”The techniques of making fine stone have been preserved up to now, which seems to be the character of Asoka stone pillar. ...which is 10m high owns a strange beauty with the images of lions, oxen, elephants or horses on the top. The most famous lion head is in Xamatkha whose image can be observed in Indian..."
Consequently, construction works made in the same age with Asoka's dynasty in Vietnam was made of wood and later of stone. A question raised here should be on what material was used to built Asoka tower and worship house when the group of Buddism propagandists came to Vietnam. It is common knowledge that building might face great difficulties if stone was chosen the material for lack of modern machines (chiseling was made with hands). A possibility for consideration would be that the worship place and Asoka tower was made of stone or of wood. Nonetheless, if the material was wood, whether they can be existing after 20 centuries when it stood in a hard place of DoSon, Haiphong.
After a thorough study on ancient maps (Picture 46, 47, 48), on bibliography and researches by some geologists and domestic as well as international studies on China Sea, we have come to the conclusion that there has considerable changes in geology of Gulf of Tonkin, specifically Haiphong. The coast, long time ago, deeply occupied mainland which was very close to Co Loa (that is Luy Lau, Ke Cho, Hien street,...), which was made clear via found archaeological traces . The Holland merchants occasionally considered Voi mountain as the landmark when they came to Dai Viet to trade.
We, at the same time, are on the thought that to discover Asoka tower in Nele citadel in Do Son may face up with possible difficulties unless water archaeology is put into account. At that time, people often recorded on natural rocks, unfortunately, those records by Asoka in India are little found. In "Great King Asoka Mauryan and his records", Tran Truc Lam contends "King Asoka usually travel . At the beginning of his ruling (his 11 years as a king), records were rough engraved on rocks... They were carved on very big rocks many which have been in ruin now. Take one in Sopara, only some pieces of VIII and IX could be found. Thanks to others which are in good conservation, the missing passages could be interpreted. "
In Do Son (or exactly in Ngoc mountain whose other names were Thap or MauSon mountain) as mentioned above, there are stones with holes. It is believed that those exhibitions are paid attention by archeologists, organizations, Do Son authority, there is a great likelihood that secretes of Nele citadel, Asoka tower,... will be disclosed.
According to "Xa Loi of Buddhist": " Excavation of ancient tower shows that one tower was often built on the ground (or foundation) of the other. To illustrate, great tower Sachi was restored in century II BC, but on the ground of another which had been built more than 100 years in the early time of king Asoka. The same can be seen in towers in Taxila and Long Tho tower (Nagarjunakonda).
In the same way, it is totally reasonable to believe that Tuong Long was built in old Asoka tower's foundation. Obviously, traces of Asoka tower in Nele citadel in Do Son, to some extent, are bound to be discovered in case much attention on this issue are paid by historians, archaeologists, cultural funds, Buddhism followers, local authorities and local people.
As far as we are concerned, the issue raised here are not the new one for it have been discussed by a number of domestic and foreign scholars and researchers since early 20th century. Unfortunately, a satisfactory and reasonable conclusion has not yet been reached.
On researching science documents on the access of Buddhism in India under Asoka dynasty to countries in Southeast Asia and Indo- China and on Chinese and Vietnamese bibliographies, on researches into archeology, history,…and from our field trip to learn about folklore (records, word of mouth,…) in Do Son, and with the spirit of “knowing the previous things, learning the new ones, we are determined to express here our own point of views illustrated with maps and documentary photographs.
On inventory of some historical relics in Haiphong from 1977 to 1978 and on our later trip, we have learned that most of worship places in Haiphong honor Hung King and generals under King Hung dynasty.
King Hung’s dynasty is a historical category and was in the Age of Brass and of Early Iron in our country, a dynasty before Han’s, which marked a period of cultural development of Viet people before the interfere between Vietnam and Han’s culture occurred. Thanks to that assimilation did not happen in Vietnam. Up to now, although there is still a controversy among researchers, they come to the agreement of the existence of King Hung based on archaeological documentation.
In Do Son, presently, a new pagoda has been built near the remains of Tuong Long tower which is intended to turn into an open-air museum. Unluckily, the remains have been in alarming deterioration owing to preservation and weather,… Nonetheless, we are convinced that the construction of the new pagoda in Mau Son mountain should be made spontaneously with archaeological studies and preservation so that visitors and the later generations could have opportunity to admire the remains.
In addition, water archaeology is an issue which is worth being paid attention by the government, local authorities and researchers. Some areas, especially Do Son and Bach Dang river’s source which witnessed traces of pre-history, are necessarily funded.. Vietnam lies along China Sea and therefore possesses a culture with characteristics of a sea area and archaeological exhibitions which are of great importance for answering controversial problems by researchers, especially after Jonaguni was found in Taiwan.
Now the number of existing ancient architectures in Vietnam, in small scale or in big dimension like imperial palace is very small and most of which cannot representing the typical ones of the past. That is why Tuong Long remains should really be taken into consideration, restored and kept for the next generations so that they can admire, can be aware and then get to know the construction techniques by their ancestors. Needless to say, such works will be forever the specific trace recording the creation, art innovation by the former generations and at the same time reflect Vietnamese people’s history
Hang pagoda, to date, is an ancient work, names of pagodas and other marks carved on rock in the entrance of the cave, which seemed to be clear in Mien Trai’s time. Unfortunately, the cave was destroyed with mine by soldiers. The remains are a pottery incense burner and a stone statue. What make people think of the cave may be immaterial (Do Son legends, 8 poems about Do Son, memory of King Asoka and remains of Buddhism in Do Son.) Up to now, it is still controversial about Van Ban bell in Do Son. In fact, the bell has been considered to be the most beautiful in Viet Nam and the study on that bell should be further.
It is understandable that works built from Nele’s time in Do Son have not been discovered. However, it is undeniable that Buddhism from India under King Asoka was introduced to Vietnam. For such reason, what lying under the ground even in the sea have been unknown unless researches, exploration, sea archaeology are done. If so, study on Buddhism in Vietnam, Nele citadel in Do Son and studies on other issues in Vietnam’s history especially sea culture would be made ease.
References
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2. Vu Quynh - Kieu Phu”Linh Nam chich quai”- Literature Publisher. (1990), 178 pages.
3. Tran Van Giap - “Vietnam Buddhism fro the beginning to century XVII”- the translation by Tue Si, Van Hcc. University Institute, 174 pages.
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6. Le Manh That - "History of Vietnamese Buddhism, Vol.1". Ho Chi Minh Pulisher, (1999), 836 pages.
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8. Haiphong board of history studies – “A Study on Haiphong history ”- Vol 2. Haiphong Publisher. (1985), 48 pages.
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On the restored stone stele in Can Thien (or Quan Muc at present) pagoda, which was put up in the fourth month of Binh Tuat, under King Phuc Thai dynasty (1646), near Van Uc river source, Do Son, where Chu Dong Tu had ever stepped says: “…In the place located Trieu Lai pagoda in the east of Do Son, Tan Hai river source in the south of Do Son, and the big river in the north is Lao Phong... This is also the land of gifted people’s gathering. On the streets, wagons and vehicles of travelers and affluent people continually flocked. This is also the place where candidates for royal examination and businessmen assembled. Most of all, goods and wealth from a variety of places were available here. The area was really a wonderful landscapes belonging to ocean…”
Bach Dang river’s source and Do Son peninsular are in the shape of arytenoids, the edge of which occupies the mainland. Most of the world’s big ports, including Rotterdam in Europe, are in the same shape. The area has the top in Ben Trieu, the basic lines come along Phu Long-Cat Hai- Do Son. The geographical characteristics and the rough border with sea are owing to Cat Ba island’s defense in the east and the southeast and Do Son peninsular in the west.
Cat Hai-Do Son, Hai Phong is between Nam Trieu and Huyen Lach, defending the swamp of Bach Dang river's mouth. People here tell that Cat Hai in the past shares the border with Do Son and that "cock’s cooing in the morning… "could be heard by people in the both places. One of the very clear evidences about the sea' expansion, the rising sea water level lays in the ancient stone bridge staying in its origin being exposed to nature in the swamp in Gia Loc.
Bach Dang river's mouth is composed of Thuy Nguyen, Haiphong, overlooking Do Son. based on archaeological relics, Mr Tong Trung Tin, the rector of Vietnam Archaeology Studies Institute came to conclusion: "….The area used to be the centre of polictics, economy and trading under Han's dynasty.” for the density of Han graves existing in the area, where the most affluent ancient graves in our country could be found. Han graves contain valuable and precious objects showing that the owner of those graves were likely to be very wealthy and powerful in the area.
Existing traces from Dong Son culture such as Dong Son pottery in Ao Coi, Xe Bac, Dong Son pottery-kiln in Tung Goi, Dong Son bronze axe in Bai Ben together with pottery pieces, bronze seals engraved with Han merchants' names,... support the fact that Cat Ba, Cat Hai, Do Son used to be the trading centre of Viet people.
The fact that Haiphong used to be the outstanding trading centre would also be seen in the presence of sediment caves, trading places, Da Hoa (Da Trang)cave with Pongo fossils, the old trading port, workshops to make precious drill bits, sand banks, arca dunes.
In addition to Cat Ba, Thuy Nguyen, Kien An, An Lao, Tien Lang,... which surrounds 9 mountains in Do Son, owns archaeological sites to represent the variety of an old civilization in Haiphong in pre-historic time. Moreover, Dong Son cultures contribute approving that the area itself and the people had enthusiastically developed and enriched the sea culture of Van Lang under Hung King's ruling.
Collected objects from Dong Son and Pre-Dong Son age in Haiphong are devices that fishermen often used like dars, fish hooks… Besides, designs on brass drums and terri-cotta jars describe features of water cultures, for illustration, tattooing, sea harvest,…Similarly, decorations on brass drums and terri-cotta jars are of sea creatures like co, vac, nong…
According to “Wikipedia”: W.Solheime contends: A big number of boats with curved prows and bent rudders engraved in many Dong Son brass drums. Many geographers, travelers, evangelizers and even diplomatic from Eastern and Western countries, for instance, Ptoleme, Phap Hien, Macco Polo, Trinh Hoa,… had been to this area. They were greatly attracted by the China Sea. They came here to visit, to record and hand over the later generations invaluable documents.
Exhibitions from Dong Son age (from century VIII-VI to the century I-III BC) are reliable historical evidences for the presence of relics from Hung King in Haiphong. Viet Khe grave with various precious brass devices must have belonged to a navy leader or a very rich merchant, which all shows that Haiphong is certain to be a very developed centre in pre-historic ages.
The peak development of Pre-Dong Son age’s culture is well-known with precious stone workshops in Trang Kenh, Dong Son various exhibitions in Thuy Nguyen, Kien An, Voi mountain, Tien Lang,…(parts of An Dinh in the past). Those places were those with high density of population and ancient graves, especially boat graves. The typical of sea culture is also able to be manifested with boat graves like An Son, Duc Lien, Ha Te, Luoc mountain in Thuy Nguyen, Quyet Tien in Tien Lang in Haiphog, Dong Son brass collections in Deo, Nang and Tieu Tuong mountains,…
Old bibliography had mentioned the navy under the control of the General Le Chan in Hai Ba Trung revolution. Le Chan was in charge of fighting against the navy by Ma Vien from the North and was, at the same time, given the principal mission to defend in Haiphong shore- the most important gateway of the country in China Sea. Le Chan’s statue has been placed in many places in Haiphong for worship.
Regarding to ages, the time Asoka sent a group of Buddism propagandists to Southeast Asia coincidences with the end of Dong Son culture (the end of Hung King dynasty and the beginning of An Duong Vuong’s). Dong Son archaeological relics can demonstrate for the heyday at the time. Mao Khe, Dong Trieu, Uong Bi connected Luy Lau and Thuy Nguyen, Voi mountain and Tien Lang to Do Son, Haiphong , which was then the most developing centre of politics, economy and culture in Van Lang-Au Lac.
In the old day, the access to Giao Chi for trade with neighboring countries was made through rivers and Hong river’s branches in Haiphong. Spontaneously, interval stations such as Thuy Nguyen, Dong Trieu, Mao Khe, Do Son, Tien Lang were crated for staying, goods trading, fresh water. The development of trade had made the area well-inhabited together with that of commerce and craft (wooden and painted furniture in Duong Du tombs have very few differences compared with those of today). In Van Bun, Do Son, there have been old wells which continue to supply water for the local people. In Doan Xa some old wells are still seen (one was filled in).
“Nhat Da Trach” records that Chu Dong Tu had accepted to trade at sea (Haiphong port now, the former well-off trading centre of Van Lang) with a foreign merchant. The wealthy merchant called on the island to get fresh water and met monk Phat Quang and then was introduced Buddhism by him. Later the monk offered Chu Dong Tu a stick and a leaf cone nad talked to him “those will play a role as keys for all magic powers”…
• The following noteworthy features about Chu Dong Tu need to be put into consideration:
• He met the wealthy merchant
• He traded at sea
• He came over Quynh Vien (Quynh Vi) for fresh water
• He met Phat Quang (monk Ban)
• He was introduced Buddhism and magics by Phat Quang (monk Ban)
After the dysentery of the canal for the third time, together with enthusiastic support by King Asoka and the superior monk Moggaliputta Tissa, Buddhist Association had sent nine group of propagandists to regions within India and overseas, of which the eight one lead by Sona and Uttara traveled to Kim Dia that was composed of Myama, Indo-China countries and a part of Malaysia. On their arrival to Vietnam, the delegation first visited Nele-Do Son, a member of the delegation turned out to be Phat Quang. At that time, Chu Dong Tu was doing business with the merchant at sea, visiting Do Son for fresh water and met monk Phat Quang (Ban Tang). To commemorate the event, the delegation built Asoka tower in Do Son, Haiphong.
In the century XI, king Ly Thanh Tong was on the waterway to fight against Chiem Thanh, passing Nele in Do Son. On hearing of Asoka tower, the king decided to put up a very nice tower (Tuong Long tower) in Do Son, which was located near the old tower, maybe right on the old ground of Asoka tower. Afterwards, Asoka tower in Nele, Do Son, Haiphong was talked about in “Eight poems about Do Son” by Mien Trai.
In: “Le Boudhisme en Annam des origines jusqu'au XIII è Siècle” (1932) - late Professor Tran Van Giap stated that Academic Institute had found a couple of invaluable books on Buddhism history within or near Haiphong. They are “Tam to thuc luc” kept in Phap Vu, Dong Lai, Vinh Lai (Hai Duong), which is Vinh bao now. The other is “Ngu che Thien uyen thong yeu ke dang luc” by Nhu Son, which is composed of 3 books, the wooden is stored in Nguyet Quang (that is Dong khe- Haiphong). Then in 1927, the institute found another book the title of which is “Thien uyen tap anh ngu luc” by a Confucian scholar in Haiphong.
Consequently, Buddhism had ever first been introduced and developed in Haiphong. On our fieldtrip, we have discovered the traces of a many very beautiful pagodas in Do Son, for example, Sung Khanh (with antique brass statue), Hoa hy in Cat Hai, Can Thien in Quan Muc (with a very big stele), Dong pagoda in Dai Hop,…
8. Asoka in natural citadel Nele in Do Son
Do Son peninsular was surrounded by sea in their three faces and by Hong river in the other. In the book : “Dai Nam nhat thong chi”, it is recorded : “ Do Son mountain is closed to sea with the perimeter of 30 dam, the height 800 truong and 9 mountains (the biggest is Mau Son)”. The geological structures here make Do Son employ the shape of a solid citadel for people in the past to inhabit, to settle and to defend the hardship of nature like flood, storm,. and invaders.
Long time ago, people frequently depended on caves to deal with storms and wild animals,… In the same way, monk Ban (Phat Quang) lived in Hang (Hang pagoda – Coc Tu) and presented Buddhism, which have been proved by the time, the location and archaeological objects at the end of Van Lang and the beginning of Au Lac.
Like Co Loa, Nele was surrounded with dimes but a bit smaller. The citadel employs 10 mountains to make fortification and sea with Hong river play to make moat.
Ships to Van Lang (then Au Lac) traveled along Hong, Thai Binh river or the barins of those rivers (that is Bach Dang, Cam Lacgh Tray, Van Uc or Da Do river’s branch passing Minh Lien,… When arriving to Do Son peninsular people could row to come around Nele.
Bach Dang or Van Uc river or Da Do (marked by Voi mountain) were all possible access to Van Lang, Au Lac. In addition, while observing from ancient map recording the time of sea expansion, Nele in Do Son-Haiphong in the past had big river mouths which occupied the mainland (very closed to Co Loa by An Duong Vuong) and plains with little alluvium. Equally, foreign merchants found it convenient to enter Van Lang, Au Lac by passing Nele in Do Son or Van Uc (marked by Voi mountain) or Bach Dang river to make the way to Luy Lau, Ke Cho, Hien street. Obviously, Nele-Do Son was really the ideal gateway for the communication between Van Lang with other countries, when water way seemed to be the choice for moving.
The group of Buddism propagandists sent by Asoka arrived in Vietnam by waterway, passing Nele-Do Son in Haiphong and stayed there. One of the member of the delegation monk Ban (Phat Quang then lived in hang pagoda in Do Son).To commemorate a successful voyage and propaganda, the delegation built Asoka tower in Do Son, Haiphong.
The story “Dam Thien Phap su” talked about 20 precious towers in Giao Chau. Whether the most ancient built from Asoka’s ruling which has attracted the attention of many researchers’ turns out to be in Nele in Do Son or in the area of Tuong Long tower in Do Son Haiphong. An Dinh was a suburban district, one of the ten in Giao Chi in Han’s dynasty. One area of the place and that of Ke Tu, Cai Lau belong to Haiphong now. According to “Thuy Kinh Chu”, Nele was in the Southeast of An Dinh whereas the area has only one peninsular called Do Son jutting out the sea toward Southeast direction.
Haiphong port- the old Bach Dang river source, Do Son is have been and will be significant of Northeast China Sea, playing the role of protecting the sovereignty, strengthening the inter-relationship between Vietnam and other countries regionally and overseas in terms of economy and culture. In Do Son, beside Tuong Long tower, we have discovered a number of relics which are really in need of being further studied by archaeology and whose names could be mentioned hereby, Asoka tower, Ban pagoda, Van Ban pagoda (the relic with ancient well in Van Bun), Phat Tich cave, Khanh Minh pagoda,.. Especially, Do Son has three faces are exposed to the sea, therefore, water archaeology should be paid attention for the clearance and confirmation of raised issues.
Do Son, on the one hand was the centre of economy, culture in pre-history, on the other hand, always had to cope with the likelihood of natural disinters and invasion of other countries. In fact, there used to be considerable changes in the area, which can be witnessed through parallel sentences in Tra Co (near Mong Cai, Quang Ninh):
"Tra Co was well-known for its communal house
" Do Son was renown for its prosperity"
People here never in their life forget their forefather and their original homeland- Do Son. Regrettably, time has witnessed the gradual disappearance of relics, the reason for which maybe lies in the hardship of nature, or in the destroy by dynasties of in war. As a matter of fact, Asoka tower was still seen but it apparently vanishes now.
Unfortunately, construction work done under Asoka dynasty in Do Son (Nele) should be hard to find for they are made of wood or engraved in rocks.
In " A brief introduction to art history" (South and Southeast Asia) by X.Mode (Veb Verlad Der Kunst Dresden Pulisher in 1978- Mockba Uckycctbo _1978) refered to a Greek named Megaphen who was sent by Xelep Nikato (about 302 BC) described the concept of "Indica", a term referred to architectures in Mauryan under Asoka dynasty as follows: "... the city of Patalyputra , the capital of Mauryan locates in a area of 2k2 and is surrounded with a very big and solid fence and large dime full of water. There are 70 towers for defending and the entrance to the city is through 4 big gates. The mansion of the leader, according to Megaphen, is made of wood...." In the same book, monk Phap Hien - a Chinese monk who came to Patalyputra in the early 5th century thought: …”The techniques of making fine stone have been preserved up to now, which seems to be the character of Asoka stone pillar. ...which is 10m high owns a strange beauty with the images of lions, oxen, elephants or horses on the top. The most famous lion head is in Xamatkha whose image can be observed in Indian..."
Consequently, construction works made in the same age with Asoka's dynasty in Vietnam was made of wood and later of stone. A question raised here should be on what material was used to built Asoka tower and worship house when the group of Buddism propagandists came to Vietnam. It is common knowledge that building might face great difficulties if stone was chosen the material for lack of modern machines (chiseling was made with hands). A possibility for consideration would be that the worship place and Asoka tower was made of stone or of wood. Nonetheless, if the material was wood, whether they can be existing after 20 centuries when it stood in a hard place of DoSon, Haiphong.
After a thorough study on ancient maps (Picture 46, 47, 48), on bibliography and researches by some geologists and domestic as well as international studies on China Sea, we have come to the conclusion that there has considerable changes in geology of Gulf of Tonkin, specifically Haiphong. The coast, long time ago, deeply occupied mainland which was very close to Co Loa (that is Luy Lau, Ke Cho, Hien street,...), which was made clear via found archaeological traces . The Holland merchants occasionally considered Voi mountain as the landmark when they came to Dai Viet to trade.
We, at the same time, are on the thought that to discover Asoka tower in Nele citadel in Do Son may face up with possible difficulties unless water archaeology is put into account. At that time, people often recorded on natural rocks, unfortunately, those records by Asoka in India are little found. In "Great King Asoka Mauryan and his records", Tran Truc Lam contends "King Asoka usually travel . At the beginning of his ruling (his 11 years as a king), records were rough engraved on rocks... They were carved on very big rocks many which have been in ruin now. Take one in Sopara, only some pieces of VIII and IX could be found. Thanks to others which are in good conservation, the missing passages could be interpreted. "
In Do Son (or exactly in Ngoc mountain whose other names were Thap or MauSon mountain) as mentioned above, there are stones with holes. It is believed that those exhibitions are paid attention by archeologists, organizations, Do Son authority, there is a great likelihood that secretes of Nele citadel, Asoka tower,... will be disclosed.
According to "Xa Loi of Buddhist": " Excavation of ancient tower shows that one tower was often built on the ground (or foundation) of the other. To illustrate, great tower Sachi was restored in century II BC, but on the ground of another which had been built more than 100 years in the early time of king Asoka. The same can be seen in towers in Taxila and Long Tho tower (Nagarjunakonda).
In the same way, it is totally reasonable to believe that Tuong Long was built in old Asoka tower's foundation. Obviously, traces of Asoka tower in Nele citadel in Do Son, to some extent, are bound to be discovered in case much attention on this issue are paid by historians, archaeologists, cultural funds, Buddhism followers, local authorities and local people.
As far as we are concerned, the issue raised here are not the new one for it have been discussed by a number of domestic and foreign scholars and researchers since early 20th century. Unfortunately, a satisfactory and reasonable conclusion has not yet been reached.
On researching science documents on the access of Buddhism in India under Asoka dynasty to countries in Southeast Asia and Indo- China and on Chinese and Vietnamese bibliographies, on researches into archeology, history,…and from our field trip to learn about folklore (records, word of mouth,…) in Do Son, and with the spirit of “knowing the previous things, learning the new ones, we are determined to express here our own point of views illustrated with maps and documentary photographs.
On inventory of some historical relics in Haiphong from 1977 to 1978 and on our later trip, we have learned that most of worship places in Haiphong honor Hung King and generals under King Hung dynasty.
King Hung’s dynasty is a historical category and was in the Age of Brass and of Early Iron in our country, a dynasty before Han’s, which marked a period of cultural development of Viet people before the interfere between Vietnam and Han’s culture occurred. Thanks to that assimilation did not happen in Vietnam. Up to now, although there is still a controversy among researchers, they come to the agreement of the existence of King Hung based on archaeological documentation.
In Do Son, presently, a new pagoda has been built near the remains of Tuong Long tower which is intended to turn into an open-air museum. Unluckily, the remains have been in alarming deterioration owing to preservation and weather,… Nonetheless, we are convinced that the construction of the new pagoda in Mau Son mountain should be made spontaneously with archaeological studies and preservation so that visitors and the later generations could have opportunity to admire the remains.
In addition, water archaeology is an issue which is worth being paid attention by the government, local authorities and researchers. Some areas, especially Do Son and Bach Dang river’s source which witnessed traces of pre-history, are necessarily funded.. Vietnam lies along China Sea and therefore possesses a culture with characteristics of a sea area and archaeological exhibitions which are of great importance for answering controversial problems by researchers, especially after Jonaguni was found in Taiwan.
Now the number of existing ancient architectures in Vietnam, in small scale or in big dimension like imperial palace is very small and most of which cannot representing the typical ones of the past. That is why Tuong Long remains should really be taken into consideration, restored and kept for the next generations so that they can admire, can be aware and then get to know the construction techniques by their ancestors. Needless to say, such works will be forever the specific trace recording the creation, art innovation by the former generations and at the same time reflect Vietnamese people’s history
Hang pagoda, to date, is an ancient work, names of pagodas and other marks carved on rock in the entrance of the cave, which seemed to be clear in Mien Trai’s time. Unfortunately, the cave was destroyed with mine by soldiers. The remains are a pottery incense burner and a stone statue. What make people think of the cave may be immaterial (Do Son legends, 8 poems about Do Son, memory of King Asoka and remains of Buddhism in Do Son.) Up to now, it is still controversial about Van Ban bell in Do Son. In fact, the bell has been considered to be the most beautiful in Viet Nam and the study on that bell should be further.
It is understandable that works built from Nele’s time in Do Son have not been discovered. However, it is undeniable that Buddhism from India under King Asoka was introduced to Vietnam. For such reason, what lying under the ground even in the sea have been unknown unless researches, exploration, sea archaeology are done. If so, study on Buddhism in Vietnam, Nele citadel in Do Son and studies on other issues in Vietnam’s history especially sea culture would be made ease.
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