Discovery of a 2,500-3,000-Year-Old Civilization in Jharkhand's Chouparan
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Synopsis
Recent archaeological excavations in Jharkhand's Chouparan have uncovered remnants of a 2,500-3,000-year-old civilization, suggesting a rich historical narrative. Expert Dr. Abhishek Singh Amar emphasizes the need for further excavations to unveil deeper insights into these ancient cultures.
Key Takeaways
- Age of Civilization: Estimated at 2,500-3,000 years old.
- Significant Finds: Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) and ancient statues.
- Future Prospects: Proposal for extended excavations submitted to ASI.
- Historical Relevance: Discovery of a possible Buddhist stupa.
- Community Impact: Local villagers have long worshipped the mound.
Ranchi, Feb 17 (NationPress) Archaeological findings of a civilisation dating back 2,500 to 3,000 years have been unearthed in the Chouparan block of the Hazaribagh district in Jharkhand.
Dr. Abhishek Singh Amar, who leads the Asian Studies program at the Department of History at Hamilton College, New York, recently visited the site and characterized it as a significant archaeological hub.
He is optimistic that extensive excavations could shed light on ancient societies.
Previously, teams from the Ranchi and Patna zones of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) investigated the villages of Daihar, Sohra, Mangarh, and Hathindar.
They retrieved samples of Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW), a type of black-glazed pottery connected to civilisations from 300 to 100 BC.
A proposal has been submitted to the ASI's central office advocating for further excavations and studies.
The Patna Zone ASI team, led by archaeologist M.G. Nicose, identified a large mound in Mangarh village as an ancient Buddhist stupa. This elevated structure has been a site of worship for local villagers for generations.
Over the last 70 years, various statues and stone slabs have emerged in Mangarh, Daihar, and Hathindar during pond digging, well construction, and farming. Unfortunately, many of these relics have been lost or pilfered due to insufficient preservation.
Among the notable finds is a large divine statue, cherished by locals as Mata Kamala.
Ancient figures of Gautam Buddha, the Buddhist goddess Tara, Marichi, Avalokiteshvara, Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, and Ganesha have also been uncovered in the region.
In Hathindar village, archaeologists discovered an ancient Sati stone and a terracotta ring well, further underscoring the site's historical relevance.
Two years prior, Dr. Arpita Ranjan from ASI's Delhi office assessed stone slabs with ancient inscriptions. Since then, researchers from both India and overseas have visited Chouparan to analyze the artifacts.
Experts are hopeful that decoding these inscriptions could yield vital information about the lost civilisation.
