Ancient Kedah Iron smelting site in Kuala Muda district, Kedah, Malaysia: Evidence of Iron Smelting Industry along Sungai Muda

Abstract

This manuscript summarizes the results of a study conducted at the Kampung Bukit Terabak (KBT’19) site, located on the riverbanks of Sungai Muda. Excavations at the site have recorded the in situ furnace structure. XRD and XRF analysis showed that the furnace structure contained high-temperature minerals like mullite and christobalite, which means the furnace reached temperatures up to 1200 °C. Based on the structural architecture of the furnace that is still in situ, proposals on the appearance of the architectural form of the furnace in 2D form are allowed to be submitted, consisting of a domed type. The results of chronometric dating using the radiocarbon method revealed that the KBT’19 site has played a role in iron smelting activities since the 7th to 8th centuries AD in the ancient Kedah Kingdom.