Temples, Buddhist Caves, Koshambi Era Coins Found in MP

BHOPAL, (IANS) – The Archaeological Survey of India has found ancient caves, remains of Buddhist structures, temples, mural inscriptions bearing names of cities like Mathura and Koshambi, and Mughal era coins during exploration in Bandhavgarh forest reserve area located in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district.

The team has found 26 temples or remains of temples, 26 caves, two monasteries, two votive stupas as well as 24 inscriptions along with 46 sculptures and around 20 water structures.

The ASI has also found coins belonging to Sharqi dynasty of Jaunpur Sultanate.

“Twenty-six temples or remains of temples discovered during the fresh round of exploration works belongs to the Kalchuri period – 9th to 11th century CE, while 26 caves dating to 2nd century B.C. to 5th century A.C. period,” as per the ASI.

The exploration of nearly 170 sq km of core forest area that was not accessible to the public for around a month also led to the discovery of the remains of Buddhist structures predating Hindu rulers of the region.

Notably, this exploration project was restarted after a gap of 85 years. The exploration in Bandhavgarh forest area was carried out in 1938.