LAGUNA COPPERPLATE INSCRIPTION

ILoveLanguages!

1 Jun 202205:33

Summary

TLDRIn this video, Andy discusses the Laguna Copper Plate Inscription, the oldest written artifact found in the Philippines, dating back to 822. Made of copper and written in Kawi script, it documents a debt clearance in Old Malay with Sanskrit and Javanese/Old Tagalog words. The inscription records Lady Ankatan and her relative being cleared of a salary-related debt by the chief of Tundun, Jayadeva, in the presence of various leaders. This historical document highlights the ancient legal and social transactions in the region.

Takeaways

📜 The Laguna Copper Plate Inscription is the oldest written artifact discovered in the Philippines, providing a specific date for the events it describes.
🗝️ It was made of copper and discovered in the Lumban River in 1989.
📝 The inscription uses the Kawi script, a pre-colonial writing system that predates the arrival of the Spaniards.
🌐 The script is primarily in Old Malay, with technical Sanskrit words and Javanese or Old Tagalog honorifics.
🗓️ The document is dated to Shaka Warshatita Ashtashatam, Shatihi Waisaka, which corresponds to the year 822 in the Gregorian calendar.
👥 The inscription mentions Lady Ankatan and her relative, the child of His Honor Nomuran, who were given a document of full acquittal by the chief and commander of Tundun.
💼 The document clears His Honor of a salary-related debt of one kathy and eight suvarna, indicating a financial transaction or settlement.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The presence of various leaders and their families during the event suggests a significant social and political gathering.
📜 The document serves as a legal record, stating that the descendants of His Honor the Moran are cleared of any death-related debts.
📢 The inscription also acts as a warning, stating that the document is issued to prevent future claims against the settled debt.

Q & A

What is the Laguna Copper Plate Inscription?
-The Laguna Copper Plate Inscription is the oldest known written artifact discovered in the Philippines, providing a dated record of historical events.
What material is the Laguna Copper Plate made of?
-The Laguna Copper Plate is made of copper, as suggested by its name.
Where was the Laguna Copper Plate discovered?
-The Laguna Copper Plate was discovered in the Lumban River in 1989.
What writing system is used in the inscription?
-The inscription uses the Kawi script, a pre-colonial writing system that predates the arrival of the Spaniards.
In which languages is the Laguna Copper Plate Inscription written?
-The inscription is primarily written in Old Malay using the early Kawi script, with technical Sanskrit words and Javanese or Old Tagalog honorifics.
What does the inscription reveal about the date of the events it records?
-The inscription provides a specific date for the events it records, which occurred in the year 822 according to the Saka calendar.
Who are some of the notable figures mentioned in the inscription?
-Notable figures mentioned include Lady Ankatan, the child of His Honor Nomuran, the chief and commander of Tundun, and Jayadeva.
What is the significance of the document of full acquittal mentioned in the inscription?
-The document of full acquittal signifies that His Honor, through the honorable scribe, was cleared of a salary-related debt in the presence of various leaders and officials.
What does the term 'krama' signify in the context of the inscription?
-In the context of the inscription, 'krama' refers to a title or honorific used to address a person of high status or authority.
Why was the debt of one kathy and eight suvarna cleared?
-The debt was cleared as a special favor, likely due to the individual's loyalty or service to the chief, as indicated by the inscription.
What is the purpose of the document issued at the end of the inscription?
-The document is issued to provide legal and historical proof that the debt has been acquitted, and to prevent future claims that it has not been settled.