ASI Discovers 2 1200-year-old Miniature Stupas

Patna circle of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered two 1200-year-old miniature votive stupas

 Key Points

• The stupas, carved from stone, depict Buddha figures. 
• These two votive stupas (offered in fulfilment of a vow) were discovered by the ASI officials during landscaping near Sarai Tila mound within the premises of ‘Nalanda Mahavihara
• Beginning in the 7th century CE in India, small miniature terracotta stupas became popular as votive offerings.
• Devout pilgrims visiting various holy sites and temples throughout Asia would either purchase small votive offerings or make their own.

Stupas

• The Sanskrit term stupa refers to a heap. It began as a small semi-circular earthen mound known as Anda.
• With the passage of time and the inclusion of artwork, it gradually evolved into a more sophisticated structure. 
• Stupas were constructed in sacred locations. These places were considered sacred because they were associated with Buddha’s life.
• The art of writing flourished throughout Ashoka’s reign.

Details

Some Important stupas

Nalanda Mahavihara

• The Nalanda Mahavihara site comprises the archaeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE.
• It includes stupas, shrines, viharas (residential and educational buildings) and important art works in stucco, stone and metal.
• Nalanda stands out as the most ancient university of the Indian Subcontinent. It engaged in the organized transmission of knowledge over an uninterrupted period of 800 years
• The archaeological remains of Nalanda Mahavihara were systematically unearthed and preserved simultaneously, these are the most significant parts of the property that demonstrate development in planning, architecture and artistic tradition of Nalanda. 

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