Prasat Ban Tan Khmer Ruin

Prasat Ban Tan (ปราสาทบ้านตาล) is a completely collapsed single tower built of sandstone, probably on a laterite base. Its history is unknown, but it could be from the 11th-century, the same time as Phimai. Although it had fallen down on its own, locals say that its current state of total ruin is due to looters pulling down what still stood when they were looking for valuables. One of the things carted off was an unfinished lintel, so perhaps construction was halted prematurely, not an uncommon occurrence during the Khmer empire.

blocks of rubble at Prang Ban Tan Khmer ruin
blocks of rubble at Prang Ban Tan Khmer ruin
blocks of rubble at Prang Ban Tan Khmer ruin

One very large sandstone block has three evenly spaced square holes in it and so perhaps this was going to be carved as a pedestal for statues. It had a few joss sticks as spirit offerings in the holes. Other than this possible pedestal, I saw no carvings anywhere in the small mound of rubble. The little pond next to the ruin has a bend in it, making it appear to be a part of the original moat.

blocks of rubble at Prang Ban Tan Khmer ruin

Location – Ban Tan, Tambon Ban Tan, Amphoe Bamnet Narong, Chaiyaphum Province

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