Patna:
The Patna Circle of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered two 1200 years old miniature votive stupas during landscaping near Sarai Tila Hill on the grounds of ‘Nalanda Mahavihara’, a World Heritage Site in Nalanda district in the state. The stone stupas depict Buddha figures.
“These two votive stupas (offered in fulfillment of a vow) were discovered by the ASI officials during landscaping near the Sarai Tila Hill in the grounds of ‘Nalanda Mahavihara on January 4. These stone-carved statues of Buddha figures, must about 1200 years old. Our archaeologists are investigating it further,” Goutami Bhattacharya, superintending archaeologist (ASI, Patna circle) told Press Trust of India.
“From the 7th century CE in India, small miniature terracotta stupas became popular as votive offerings. Devout pilgrims visiting various holy sites and temples across Asia bought small votive offerings or made their own,” said Ms Bhattacharya.
The Nalanda Mahavihara site includes the archaeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BC to the 13th century AD. It includes stupas, shrines, viharas (residential and educational buildings) and important works of art in stucco, stone and metal.
“Nalanda has the distinction of being the oldest university in the Indian subcontinent. It engaged in the organized transfer of knowledge over an uninterrupted period of 800 years,” she said.
The archaeological remains of Nalanda Mahavihara were systematically excavated and preserved at the same time, she said, adding that these are the most important parts of the property that demonstrate Nalanda’s development in planning, architecture and artistic tradition.
Meanwhile, the ASI-Patna Circle had recently submitted a proposal to its headquarters in Delhi to carry out an excavation at ‘Nindaur’, due to its probable connection with Nanda kings of Magadha, in Kaimur district, 220 km from the capital Patna.
The Nanda dynasty ruled Magadha in northern India between 343 and 321 BCE (BCE) with its capital at Pataliputra (modern Patna).
“The geographical location of the site is very important. It is located on an ancient route between Patliputra to Kashi via the Son river Sasaram-Bhabhua. It is the largest urban settlement between ancient Magadha and Kashi mahajanapada. The site may have served as an administrative and trading center. The site deserves thorough investigation by archaeologists and archaeological excavations here can be extremely rewarding,” said a senior archaeologist from the ASI.
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