Buddhist Archaeological Sites: Hidden Excavations That Reveal the Early Spread of Buddhism

-
Image
  Introduction Buddhist archaeological sites offer invaluable insight into the early history of Buddhism and its peaceful spread across Asia. From rock-cut caves and monasteries to ancient stupas and stone reliefs, these excavations preserve physical evidence of the Buddha’s teachings, monastic life , and artistic traditions that flourished over centuries. Many of these sites remained hidden for centuries before being rediscovered through systematic archaeological excavations. This article explores the significance of Buddhist archaeological sites, major excavation centers, and how these discoveries help us understand early Buddhism. What Are Buddhist Archaeological Sites? Buddhist archaeological sites are locations where physical remains related to Buddhism have been discovered through excavation. These include: • Monasteries ( Viharas ) • Stupas and relic shrines • Rock-cut caves • Sculptures and inscriptions • Ancient manuscripts and seals Such sites date mainly from th...
Post a Comment

Moghalmari Buddhist mahavihara

-

Moghalmari Buddhist mahavihara: An ancient buddhist monestry in west bengal

The Moghalmari Buddhist Mahavihara, located in west bengal's Paschim Medinipur district, is a significant archeological site from the early medieval period (6th-7th century CE). This ancient Buddhist monastery,dating to the post-Gupta and pre-Pala eras, is often to renowned sites like Nalanda Mahavihara in Bihar and Udaigiri and Lalitgiri in Odisha. As the largest and oldest excavated Buddhist site in West Bengal, Moghalmari offers a fascinating glimps into India's Buddhist heritage. This article explores its history, excavation details, key findings, and why it's a must-visitfor history enthusiasts.

moghalmari-buddhist-mahavihara
Main gate


Mogalmari buddhist vihara, moghalmari buddhist mahavihar
Excavation site 



Buddhist excavation site, mogalmari buddhist vihara


Historical background of buddhist mahavihara


                                      Moghalmari, also known as MOGHALMARI                     BUDDHIST MONASTERY, thrived during the 6th-7th century CE, a period of significant Buddhist influence in India. The Chinese traveler XUANZANG (HuenTsang), who visted India in 7th century, noted the existence of 'ten monesteries' in the region of TAMRALIPTA (morden-day Tamluk, Purba Medinipur district).While Xuanzang didn't specify names, historians believe Moghalmari was among these monastic centers.
                     Located near Dantan, the site features a prominent mound called PATHCALA OF SASHISENA,now in ruins.This oblong structure, measuring approximately 120 feet (east-west) by 110 feet (north-south), contains scattered large bricks, some repurposed by locals over time. The ruins extend along a half-mile stretch from SHOKHISENA'S GADA to the remnants of VIKRAMAJIT'S PALACE, indicating the monestry's vast historical footprint.




EXCAVATION OF MOGHALMARI BUDDHIST MONASTRY

Excavation at Moghalmari began in 2002-2003, led by Professor Ashoka Dutta of kolkata University. Covering approximately 4300 square yards, the siteis the largest archaeological excavationin west Bengal. Conducted in seven phases from 2003 to 2012, the digs uncovered two primary monesteries: Mugalayikavihara and Yajnapindikamaha Vihara, both dated to the post-Gupta period.
Key findings include six inscribed seals bearing deer and Dharmachakra symbols, confirming the site's Buddhist identity. These discoveries have positioned Moghalmari as a critical site for studying early medieval Buddhist aechitecture and culture.




Buddhist exacvation site

MAJOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES AT MOGHALMARI

The excavation at moghalmari have unearthed a wealth of artifacts, shedding light on the monastry's historical and cultural significance:

MONASTIC STRUCTURE: Remains of a large Buddhist monestry, multiple stupas, and stucco-plastered walls with intricate decorations.

SCULPTURES AND IDOLS: Bronze idols of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and Buddhist goddesses; a 24cm*14cm Buddha image; two stucco heads;a stone female deity; and sculptures with proto-Bengali script.

TERACOTTA ARTIFACTS: seventeen votive terracota tablets categorized into four types:

        1. Buddha in Padmasana, flaked by four standing Bodhisattvas.              and miniature meditating Buddhas.

        2. Buddha in Bhadrasana (European style), with two.                                Bodhisattvas, framed in odissi Nagara-styles temple with an.              Amalaka top, inscribed  with the Buddhist creed " ye.                            dharma hetu prabhava..." and miniature stupas.

       3. A large central stupa surrounded by hundreds of miniature.                stupas.

       4. Blank tablets without inscriptions.

  • Other Antiquities: Teracotta lamps, stucco fragments, sprinklers, iron nails, footed bowls, hopscotch, spouted bowls, decocative bricks, pottery, mixed metal coins inscribed with King Samachardeva's name, a gold pendent, a crown fragment, and a pre-kushana copper coin.
  •  Script and inscriptions: Post-Gupta Brahmi script on seals and proto-bengali script on sculptures, indicating early medieval repairs.

The stucco decoration, reminiscent of the Gupta period, and decorative bricks draw parallels to sites like Vikramshila, Nalanda, Paharpur, and Mainamati.




Broken buddha statue, broken buddha

Artifacts, archeological findings




Moghalmari excavation site

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Moghalmari's stucco art and decorative elements highlight the arrtistic excellence of the Gupta period, with Professor Dutta dating the early structures to the 6th century CE based on paleography and art styles.

The sites underscores West Bengal's role in india's Buddhist heritage,complementing the legacy of sites like Nalanda and Vikramshila. 

Local villagers have contributed to preservation efforts, reporting artifacts that are now displayed in museums. These findings affirs Moghalmari's role as a as a major Buddhist centre, with its influence extending into the latemedieval period through repairs and reconstructions.


Stucco statue, moghalmari buddhist vihara


  










CONCLUSION:  preserving Moghalmari's  Legacy

The Moghalmari Buddhist Mahavihara is a testment to india's rich Buddhist heritage, offering insights into early medieval monastic life.Its ongoing preservation ensures it remains a vital link to the past, attracting scholars and tourist alike. By visting Moghalmari, you contribute to safeguarding West Bengal's hidden archaeological gems.











Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

conversation between buddha and ananda.

-
Image
                       Ananda the most pre-eminent disciples. buddha and ananda The one disciple of the Buddha most often mentioned in his discourses is Ananda. Amongst all those great monks around the Buddha he occupies a unique position, and this in many respects, as will be mentioned in these blog.                       If one considers as conversation also the silent,inner rapport with a dhamma discourse, then the whole of pali canon actually consist of Ananda's conversation with the Buddha. we cannot tell all dialogues between Buddha and Ananda mentioned in pali canon .only some are mention in this page. Ananda   1- Buddha's last days– On reaching the village of kusinara of the mallas on the further side of the hiranyavati river,the buddha realised that his end was fast approaching. He told Ananda to prepare a bed for him with its head turned towards the north bet...
Read more

Vikramshila university destroyed by an Islamic invader

-
Image
                  Vikramshila university The remains of vikramshilla university are located near antichak in bhagalpur district of bihar . vikramshila university was an important Buddhist learning centers in ancient india. It was founded during pala dynasty. Vikramshila university was established by the king of pala dynasty ,king dharmapala(783to820) in late 8th or early 9th century. a Tibetan and a Hindu temple are also excavated. It prospered about four century from its establishment. After this it collapsed in the beginning of 13th century A.D. Tibetan sources specially the writings of taranath, the Tibetan monk historian of 16th-18th century A.D, was briefly described about its collapsed years. Vikramshila was one of the largest buddhist university having more than hundred teachers and about thousands of students and many great scholars. Many great scholars are often invited by foreign countries to spread Buddhist learni...
Read more

cultural sites damaged by ISIS

-
Image
T he Islamic state group ISIS(Islamic state of Iraq and syria)destroyed and damaged many historical site during their war. Islamic militants in Iraq and Syria continue their war on region's cultural heritage attacking historical site with bulldozers  and explosives. ISIS controls the large part of Iraq and Syria. There's little to stop its militants from plundering and destroying sites under their control In a region know as the cradle of civilization. The group claims the destruction of ancient site relegiously motivated motivated;its militants targeted well- know ancient sites alongwith the  graves and shrines belonging to other Muslim sects, citing idol worship to justify their action deliberate destruction and theft of cultural heritage has been condected by ISIL since 2014 in Iraq and Syria and to a lesser extent to libya. A guide to  cultural site that ISIS has destroyed and damaged so far: P almira :  Palmyra or palmira is an UNESCO Wo...
Read more

Kusinagar: Where Buddha Slipped his Earthly Bonds.

-
Image
                                         Kusinagar  The buddha's last days are described in the pali text called the great parinirvana sutra (means completed nirvana).It is an  important Buddhist pilgrimage site,where Buddhist believe gautam buddha attained Parinirvan  after his death .It is famous for numerous monastery and stupa dating back years ago are almost in relics now. Distribution site of Buddha's relics                         On reaching the village of kusinara of mallas on the further side of the hiranyavati river, the buddha realised that his end was fast approaching. He told Ananda to prepare a bed for him with its head turned towards the north between two sal trees. Ananda who served him for 20 years was deeply upset. Buddha consoles him "Don't grieve ,Ananda!'. The nature of things dictates ...
Read more

Kesaria stupa: world's largest buddhist stupa.

-
Image
 The Kesaria stupa : Built to honor Buddha's final days– Kesaria stupa According to some scholars, this is the place where prince Gautama cut his hair to renounce the world, after leaving his palace. Other scholars believe that actual place was nearer from kapilavastu.                          It is believed that the current structure was built somewhere between 200 AD and 750 AD to honor the location where buddha spent his begging bowl. The structure is a fine example of Buddhist architecture. In the time of Buddha, it was known as kessaputta. Lord buddha said to have made several announcements from here, which later formed part of the Jatka tales . Huen tsang mentions having seen the grand stupa in kia-shi-po-lo (kesariya) but it was deserted and vegetation had overgrown. It is believed that lord buddha spent a night at this place before his nirvana and have his begging-bowl to the lichhivis . Lichhivis are all...
Read more