State PCS - Haryana (HCS)

• 17 Jul 2025

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

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. 

University of Southampton Opens India Campus in Gurugram

Why in News? 

The Union Minister of Education,  along with the Chief Minister of Haryana, inaugurated the India campus of the University of Southampton in Gurugram, Haryana. 

Key Points 

About Campus of University of Southampton 

• Significant Milestone in India’s Education Sector: The University of Southampton—a QS Top 100 global institution and founding member of the UK’s Russell Group becomes the first foreign university to operationalize a campus in India under the University Grants Commission’s (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023. 
  • The inauguration of the University’s campus in Gurugram marks a key moment in India's higher education sector, celebrating five years of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. 
• Internationalization of Education under NEP 2020: The Union Minister highlighted that this event strengthens the education pillar of India-UK cooperation, aligning with the India-UK Roadmap 2030. 
• Campus Offerings and Programmes: The Gurugram campus will offer globally recognized undergraduate and postgraduate programs, allowing students the opportunity to spend up to one year at the University’s campuses in the UK or Malaysia. 

Note:

• India is also expanding its global presence, with IIT Madras opening a campus in Zanzibar and IIT Delhi establishing one in Abu Dhabi. 

About UGC (FHEI) Regulations, 2023 

• The UGC (FHEI) Regulations, 2023, paved the way for foreign universities, ranked among the world's top 500, to establish branch campuses in India. 
  • The move aligns with the National Education Policy(NEP), 2020, envisioning a legislative framework for top global universities in India. 
  • The NEP 2020 provided that selected universities, e.g., those from among the top 100 universities in the world, will be facilitated to operate in India. 
• University Grants Commission (UGC): 
  • UGC  is a statutory body in India established in 1953 to coordinate, determine, and maintain standards of higher education.   
  • It was created by the Indian government through the UGC Act of 1956. The UGC's main functions include providing recognition to universities, disbursing funds, and advising the government on matters related to higher education.   
  • The UGC headquarters is located in New Delhi.