Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) unravels remarkable Archaeological remains in Bandhavgarh Forest Reserve

By PIB Delhi

In a major find, ASI has unraveled remarkable archaeological remains in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Forest Reserve.

During the exploration conducted by ASI, 26 ancient temples/relics of the Kalachuri period (9^th century CE to 11^th Century CE), 26 caves (2^nd Century CE to 5^th century CE mostly Buddhist in nature), 2 monasteries, 2 stupas, 24 Brahmi inscriptions (2^nd century CE to 5^th century CE), 46 sculptures, 20 scattered remains and 19 water structures (c.2^nd-15^thCE) are recorded. Among the 46 sculptures, also is a Varah sculpture, which is one of the largest.

The time period of the findings covered the reigns of the kings Shri Bhimsena, Maharaja Pothasiri, and Maharaja Bhattadeva. Placed deciphered in the inscriptions are Kaushami, Mathura, Pavata (Parvata), Vejabharada, and Sapatanaairikaa.

An ASI team covered nearly 170 sq km falling in the area of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve over a months-long exploration of the region, which was undertaken for the first time since 1938.

The exploration was conducted under the Jabalpur Circle of ASI.