Sitopayan I inscription

Sitopayan I inscription is an inscription written in a mixed of Old Malay and Old Batak languages,^[1] written mostly using Kawi script with some words using Old Batak script.^[1] The inscription was found at the Biaro (temple) Si Topayan, in Sitopayan village, Portibi District, North Padang Lawas Regency, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia.^[1][2] The inscription is quite short, it is written on one of the horizontal sides of a base of a stone idol.^[2] F.D.K. Bosch thought that this inscription was made in the 13th century CE, based on the shape and characteristics of the script.^[2]

The inscription mentioned three people named Hang Tahi, Si Rangit, and Kabayin Pu Anyawari who made an idol house.^[2] The use of two languages, namely Old Malay and Old Batak, raises the notion that the community around the area was bilingual.^[1] In addition, the mentioning of three articles Hang, Si, and Pu (Mpu) in the people names (Tahi, Ranggit, and Kabayin Anyawari) also reflects the characteristic habit of a Malay speaking people.^[1]

Currently, the inscription is stored in the North Sumatra State Museum, with the inventory number 1517.1.^[2]