2,000-year-old Buddhist Site Found in Haryana

• 17 Jul 2025

Why in News? 

A team from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has discovered signs of ancient Buddhist stupas and structural remains buried beneath the soil in the Yamunanagar district of Haryana. 

Key Points 

About the Research Findings 

• Discovery of Ancient Structures: Signs of ancient structures, including circular formations, walls, and chamber-like rooms, were detected approximately 6 to 7 feet beneath the surface using advanced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology. 
  • This points to the possibility of a 2,000-year-old Buddhist site. 
• Survey and Location: Initiated by the Haryana State Department of Archaeology, the survey aimed to uncover historical remains in areas like Topra Kalan and surrounding villages, where old bricks are occasionally found, indicating potential archaeological significance. 
• Evidence of a Buddhist Stupa: GPR readings revealed semi-circular structures, leading researchers to hypothesize the presence of an ancient stupa.  
  • Archaeological officials have corroborated this hypothesis, confirming the likely discovery of a stupa. 
• Significance: These findings may date back to the Buddhist era or even the Mahabharata period, according to local oral traditions.  
  • They provide crucial insights into ancient trade routes, religious networks, and cultural exchanges in the subcontinent.  
  • If further excavations reveal similar structures, it could demonstrate the widespread influence of this ancient culture. 

About Other Prominent Buddhist Sites in India 

• Bihar: Bodh Gaya is the location where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.  
  • Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, marks the spot where Buddha achieved enlightenment.  
  • In Vaishali (Bihar), Buddha declared his imminent Parinirvana and preached his final sermon.  
  • Nalanda University in Nalanda was a famous ancient center of learning, where Buddhist scholars from across the world gathered.  
• Uttar Pradesh: At Sarnath, Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples, outlining the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.  
  • Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath marks the site of Buddha’s first sermon.  
  • Kushinagar is the place where Buddha passed away and attained Parinirvana (final nirvana).  
    • Ramabhar Stupa in Kushinagar is believed to be the place where Buddha was cremated.  
• Himachal Pradesh: Dharamshala, especially McLeod Ganj, is home to the Tibetan Government-in-Exile and the Dalai Lama. It is a hub for Tibetan Buddhists.  
• Maharashtra: Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring rock-cut temples and sculptures of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions.  
  • The Ajanta Caves are famous for ancient Buddhist monasteries and beautiful murals depicting Buddha’s life.  
• Madhya Pradesh: Sanchi Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and pillars.