Date: 22/11/2022 Shift: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Q. No: 227

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has cleared some stunning ancient remains in the Bandhavgarh Forest Reserve. ASI exploration has recorded 26 temples, 26 caves, 2 monasteries, 2 stupas, 24 inscriptions, 46 sculptures, other scattered remains and 19 water structures in Madhya Pradesh’s Tiger haven. These finding are from different historical time zones and cover the reigns of the kings Shri Bhimsena, Maharaja Pothasiri, Maharaja Bhattadeva. ASI deciphered the inscriptions found there and discovered that the names of various places mentioned here are Kaushami, Mathura, Pavata (Parvata), Vejabharada and Sapatanaairikaa. An ASI team covered nearly 170 sq. km. falling in the area of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve over months-long exploration of the region which was undertaken for the first time since 1938.
26 ancient temples/relics unravelled by ASI are of Kalachuri period which spans from the 9th century CE to the 11th Century CE. Besides the 26 caves which date back from the 2nd to 5th Centuries CE, archaeological remains of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism such as chaitya-shaped doors and cells containing stone-beds have also been reported by the ASI team.
The monasteries, stupas, and 24 Brahmi inscriptions found by the ASI are also from the 2nd Century CE to the 5th Century CE. 46 sculptures, 20 scattered remains and 19 water structures date from the 2nd -15th Century CE. Among the 46 sculptures found by the ASI there is a giant Varah sculpture which is one of the largest found by the agency.
The exploration was conducted by ASI’s Jabalpur circle. Being a tiger reserve, unrestricted access to tourists to the archaeological sites is unlikely to be allowed. Bandhavgarh Forest Reserve is best known for Evergreen Sal forest and Mixed forest. About 515 species of plants are found there and it is also home to 242 species of birds and many species of reptile and insects. The major mammal of Bandhavgarh is the Tiger. Apart from that, Leopard, Wild dog, Wild cat, Hyena, Wolf, Chital, Sambar, Black Buck, etc., are easily seen there.