The world-renowned Kesaria Buddha stupa, located in the East Champaran district of Bihar, India, has recently gained attention due to waterlogging following local floods. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has deemed this monument of significant national importance, highlighting its historical significance and contribution to Buddhist culture worldwide.
Architectural Marvel
The Kesaria Buddha stupa holds the title for being the tallest and largest Buddhist stupa globally. Located about 110 kilometers from Patna, in the Indian town of Kesariya, this architectural monument is an impressive sight with a circumference of nearly 400 feet and rising to approximately 104 feet in height.
A Glimpse into History
The stupa’s rich history traces back to the 3rd century BCE, with the original structure likely erected during Emperor Ashoka’s reign. Recent findings at the site, including a capital of an Ashokan Pillar, support this theory. Later enhancements to the stupa occurred during the Gupta Dynasty between AD 200 and AD 750. Some accounts link the stupa’s refurbishment to the 4th-century ruler Raja Chakravarti.
A fascinating detail about Kesaria stupa is that it might have been inaugurated during Buddha’s lifetime. The stupa’s features match the description of a similar structure built by Vaishali’s Licchavis, where Buddha’s alms bowl was stored. In ancient times, the Maurya and Licchavi empires ruled Kesaria.
Famous Travellers and Kesaria’s Heritage
Kesaria’s historical significance is underscored by accounts from renowned foreign travellers, Faxian (Fahien) and Xuan Zang (Hsuan Tsang), who visited the area in ancient times. They provided detailed descriptions of their experiences, contributing to our understanding of Kesaria’s cultural and historical heritage.
Notably, gold coins imprinted with Emperor Kanishka’s seal, who led the Kushan dynasty from AD 30 to AD 375, were found at the site, further proving Kesaria’s antiquity.
Excavation Efforts
The initial exploration of the stupa began in the early 19th century when Colonel Mackenzie discovered it in 1814. Subsequent excavations by General Cunningham in 1861-62 and a comprehensive excavation in 1998 by an ASI team led by archaeologist K.K. Muhammad have contributed significantly to illuminating the site’s archaeological significance.
Other Heritage Sites in Bihar
Bihar is home to other important historical landmarks, including the Maha Bodhi Temple and Nalanda Mahavihara, both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the Rohtasgarh Fort, another significant attraction for history enthusiasts. These sites, along with the Kesaria Buddha stupa, are testaments to Bihar’s rich cultural and historical legacy.
