More Coverage
Twitter Coverage
Satyaagrah
Written on
Satyaagrah
Written on
Satyaagrah
Written on
Satyaagrah
Written on
Satyaagrah
Written on
Join Satyaagrah Social Media
"सत्यमेवेश्वरो लोके सत्यं पद्माश्रिता सदा, सत्यमूलानि सर्वाणि सत्यान्नास्ति परं पदम्": Indian archaeologists found a treasure — ancient and historic caves, temples, Buddhist structures, sculptures, coins and water bodies etc in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Known for its large and varied biodiversity including majestic tigers, more than 250 species of birds, 37 species of mammals, 80 species of butterflies and a large number of reptiles, the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve located in Madhya Pradesh’s Umaria district has revealed yet another type of treasure trove — ancient and historic caves, temples, Buddhist structures, maths, sculptures, coins, water bodies and mural inscriptions in old scripts like Brahmi and Nagari.
|
Reporting on this major find, the Archaeological Survey of India’s Jabalpur Circle informed that during the exploration 26 temples, 26 caves, two monasteries, two votive stupas, 24 inscriptions, 46 sculptures, other scattered remains, and 19 water structures were recorded.
The ASI team included 10 officers from the Jabalpur Circle and two Forest Department officials and they made these significant discoveries during their exploration conducted from May 20 to June 27, 2022.
This first major exploration was undertaken in 1938 and covered an area of 170 sq. kilometers.
Many ancient sculptures, including large monolithic sculptures of various avatars of Lord Vishnu like ‘Varaha’ and ‘Matsya’, and “board games made in natural `”, were reported. Sharing details about them, Dr. Shivakant Bajpai, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI Jabalpur who led the team observed: “This is an important exploration and documentation to know about the rich culture of Baghelkhand A large Varaha sculpture measuring 6.4×5.03×2.77 meter of 9th–13th century CE is found. It appears to be the world’s largest sculpture.”
|
Baghelkhand refers to the northeastern regions of Madhya Pradesh and south eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Most of the 26 caves that dated from the 2nd BC Century to the 5th Century AD belong to the Buddhists. Findings like chaitya-shaped doors and cells with stone beds pointed to the presence of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. Talking about this Bajpai said: “The team found a Votive Stupa and a Buddhist pillar fragment containing miniature stupa carving. The votive stupas held the ashes of the monastic dead to be eternally in the presence of the Buddha Shakyamuni. These are roughly dated back to 2nd-3rd century CE.”
A total of 35 temples have been so far documented in the region – nine earlier and 26 temples or remains of temples of the Kalachuri period, that is from 9th to 11th Century CE, in the latest exploration. Two Saiva maths of that period were also found. Besides this, 19 water bodies; various quarry sites, and brick kilns were also discovered.
Brahmi inscriptions numbering 24 which belong from the 2nd to 5th Century AD too have been documented, the ASI informed. Inscriptions in Nagari and Shankhalipi were also found. The inscriptions mention names of places like Mathura, Kaushambi, Pavata or Parvata, Vejabharada, and Sepatanaairikaa. Also, names of notable kings like Maharaja Shri Bhimsena, Maharaja Pothasiri, and Maharaja Bhattadeva, were also mentioned.
|
“For me, the most startling finding is the remains of the Buddhist structures in the region where a Hindu dynasty ruled. It suggests religious harmony, but who built these Buddhist structures is not known yet,” remarked Bajpai.
Coins from the Mughal-era and Sharqi dynasty of Jaunpur Sultanate have also been found, Bajpai said.
Recalling the dangers faced during the exploration, Bajpai revealed: “Many times, we had to run away from the site due to the presence of wild animals. In Bandhavgarh, more than tigers, wild elephants created trouble for us but the forest officials supported us.”
References:
Support Us
Satyagraha was born from the heart of our land, with an undying aim to unveil the true essence of Bharat. It seeks to illuminate the hidden tales of our valiant freedom fighters and the rich chronicles that haven't yet sung their complete melody in the mainstream.
While platforms like NDTV and 'The Wire' effortlessly garner funds under the banner of safeguarding democracy, we at Satyagraha walk a different path. Our strength and resonance come from you. In this journey to weave a stronger Bharat, every little contribution amplifies our voice. Let's come together, contribute as you can, and champion the true spirit of our nation.
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
ICICI Bank of Satyaagrah | Razorpay Bank of Satyaagrah | PayPal Bank of Satyaagrah - For International Payments |
If all above doesn't work, then try the LINK below:
Please share the article on other platforms
DISCLAIMER: The author is solely responsible for the views expressed in this article. The author carries the responsibility for citing and/or licensing of images utilized within the text. The website also frequently uses non-commercial images for representational purposes only in line with the article. We are not responsible for the authenticity of such images. If some images have a copyright issue, we request the person/entity to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will take the necessary actions to resolve the issue.
Related Articles
- Few thieves ruthlessly poisoned seven dogs to ensure unopposed and uninterrupted theft in a Kali Mata temple, steal Rs 15,000 cash from donation box: Bihar
- "Sometimes it's more about the journey than the destination": Prepare to embark on a transcendent journey of a family to the revered 18 Maha Shakti Peeths with the upcoming streaming series, 'Sarvam Shakthi Mayam' filled with emotive and spiritual depth
- "You are never lost when you can see the temple": BJP Govt in Goa starts survey of temples ruined during the Portuguese rule, all Hindu Temples destroyed during that tenure will be restored under the project by CM Pramod Sawant
- Proud Kalyan Singh refused to give orders to shoot Karsevaks and chose to resign as CM of UP instead: Karsevaks not only reached atop the dome but had also started breaking it, where Ram Mandir stands today
- In a significant discovery Hindu temple structure with ornate columns found inside a mosque in Mangaluru, locals suspect the presence of a temple in the past: VHP leaders asked to stop work till documents verified
- In the heart of Ikkeri, where ancient stones whisper tales of devotion, the steadfast Nandi gazes upon the Aghoreshvara Temple, a bridge between epochs, it stands as a testament to timeless faith and the enduring spirit of human craftsmanship
- Secular Supreme Court in communal 'Khela Hobe' move urges Jagannath temple to allow entry of non-Hindus
- "Temple will be an ever-present reminder that God intended the family to be eternal": Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple situated in the heart of Kottayam is one of the 108 revered Shivalayas in Kerala, preserves sculptures and murals of Hindu deities
- 'Anjaneya temple was razed to build Jamia Masjid in Srirangapatna': Mysore ASI 1935 report stated that Jumma Masjid was constructed by Tipu Sultan on top of the Anjaneya temple after filling up the latter’s ground floor in Karnataka
- "Madness, mayhem, erotic vandalism - while we scream and perish, History licks a finger and turns the page": Attack on Swaminarayan Mandir proves Trudeau’s overt support to Khalistanis has let Canada become a seedbed for Khalistanis - nurtured by ISI
- Hundred reasons why the Story of the Taj Mahal that most of us have known about may not be the real truth: It's is not an Islamic mausoleum but an ancient Shiva Temple known as Tejo Mahalaya
- Dodda Ganapathi Temple situated on Bull Temple Road in Basavanagudi houses a magnificent statue of Bhagwan Ganesha, measuring 18 feet in height and 16 feet in width, and is believed to be expanding on its right side, gradually increasing each year
- "Control your own destiny or someone else will": In a shocking incident, a Dikshitar of the revered Chidambaram Temple in Tamil Nadu assaulted by female police officer, HR&CE officials climb atop Kanagasabai medai while trying to take over mandir forcibly
- ASI opposed petition seeking restoration of Hindu and Jain temples inside the Qutub Minar complex, says 'no provision under which Worship can be started': Verdict reserved for June 9
- "One leak will sink a ship: and one sin will destroy a sinner": Hindus protest to stop demolition of old Shani-Hanuman temple, Kejriwal sent team to demolish a temple issuing orders by PWD Delhi in Mandawali after the complaint by Javed, Mansoor, Naushad