The Madhya Pradesh government and ASI are set to restart excavations at Vaishya Tekri in Ujjain, aiming to uncover a massive Maurya-era Buddhist stupa that dwarfs the famous Sanchi Stupa.
Key Takeaways
- A massive Maurya-era stupa is believed to be buried under the Vaishya Tekri mound in Ujjain.
- Historical reports suggest it could be 350ft in diameter, significantly larger than Sanchi.
- The site is potentially linked to Emperor Ashoka and his wife, Devi.
- The MP government is collaborating with ASI for a fresh, systematic excavation.
Archaeological history is poised for a massive revelation in Madhya Pradesh. The state government, led by CM Mohan Yadav, is pushing for a fresh excavation at Vaishya Tekri in Ujjain. This site holds the promise of a Maurya-era Buddhist stupa that could redefine our understanding of ancient Indian architecture.
According to British-era archaeological reports, the structure at Vaishya Tekri is estimated to have a diameter of 350 feet and a height of at least 100 feet. To put this in perspective, the world-famous Sanchi Stupa has a diameter of 120 feet and a height of 54 feet. This makes the potential find at Ujjain nearly three times larger in diameter than Sanchi.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this excavation is not merely an archaeological endeavor but a significant cultural milestone. Uncovering a structure of this magnitude, dating back to the 3rd century BCE, could provide unprecedented insights into the scale of Mauryan construction and the spread of Buddhism under Emperor Ashoka's patronage.
ASI Superintending Archaeologist Shivakant Bajpai noted that the site is believed to have been built under the inspiration of Ashoka's wife, Devi, during his tenure as Governor of Ujjain.
The site's name, Vaishya Tekri, is thought to be linked to the daughter of a merchant (Nagarshreshthi) from Vidisha. While the connection to the ancient Kanakgiri Vihara and the travels of Chinese monk Hiuen Tsang remains unproven, the scale of the mound suggests a site of immense religious importance. The last attempt at excavation in 1939 was abruptly halted due to a hazardous gas leak, leaving the secrets of the mound buried for nearly nine decades.
Comparison: Sanchi vs. Vaishya Tekri
| Feature | Sanchi Stupa | Vaishya Tekri (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 120 ft | 350 ft |
| Height | 54 ft | 100+ ft |
| Era | Mauryan/Shunga | Mauryan (3rd Century BCE) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Vaishya Tekri located?
It is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, approximately 236km west of Sanchi.
2. Why was the previous excavation stopped?
In 1939, work was halted after a gas leak caused laborers to lose consciousness.
