Yaksha is the name of a broad class of nature-spirits, usually benevolent, who are caretakers of the natural treasures hidden in the earth and tree roots. They appear in Hindu, Jain and Buddhist mythology. Lampang was originally founded during the 7th century Dvaravati period. Nothing remains from these early times, but the city is rich in temples, many of which have a distinctly Burmese flavour as Lampang had a substantial Burmese population in the 19th century, most of whom were involved in the logging industry.