Hindustan Times: ASI to carry out major excavations in Nalanda
According to Director (Exploration and Excavation) RS Fonia of ASI, “The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) gave us detailed satellite imagery of about 16 square kilometre area around the ancient site of Nalanda. Till date excavations have been carried out only in 1.5 sq km area.”
“The satellite data helped us to understand the topography and structural remains around Nalanda and this year during August-September ASI carried out initial explorations leading to the discovery of a number of mounds in villages of Baragaon, Begampur, Machhardiha, Juafardih, Rukministhan,
Paparnausa, Jagdishpur, Sarichak, Kul, Bhadari, Nanana, as also remains of ancient sculptures, gates, pillars, potsherds of Red ware of medieval period,” he said.
Fonia said, “Baragaon used to be part of the trade route to Nepal and Lhasa from eastern India to reach China and Central Asia.”
History of Nalanda goes back to the days of Mahavira and Buddha in the sixth century BC. It was the place of birth and nirvana of Sariputra,one of the most famous disciples of Buddha.
See Also: Reconstructing Nalanda, Along Huen Tsang’s path, again
