Bihar’s history project: 60 villages linked to Nalanda University identified

Patna, October 17: Researchers in Bihar have identified 60 out of the 200 villages that they believe were associated with the ancient Nalanda University. They say that revenues from these villages, located in the vicinity of the university, were used for its upkeep by the then rulers.

This and many more such findings have come to the fore after Kashi Prasad Jaisawal Research Institute (KPJRI), under the state HRD Ministry, began its first-ever systematic and comprehensive documentation of historical sites in Bihar. The exploration, which started in July, 2007, has so far documented 3,500 sites from as many villages of 16 districts.

The sites have sculptures, mounds, inscriptions and monuments belonging to the Chalcolithic Period (2000 BC-1500 BC), Post-Gupta (5th century Ad) and the Pal Period (8-12 Century AD).

Speaking to The Indian Express, KPJRI director Bijay Kumar Choudhary said: “Our teams have so far traversed Patna, Bhojpur, Nalanda, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Vaishali, Nawada, Siwan, Gopalganj and Saran.”

Sculptures and panels of images of Post-Gupta and Pal periods have been found in abundance in several districts. Besides, mounds that look like stupas, fortified structures and inscriptions, too, have been found. Copper tools and black and red pots of Chalcolitic period have been discovered at Nawada and Nalanda.

Sixty villages at Nalanda, Nawada, Gaya and Jehanabad have been identified on the basis of potshards and inscriptions.

A 70-feet high mound at Chankigarh, West Champaran, is one of biggest yields of the exploration though researchers are yet to ascertain if the fortified structure made of burnt-brick is a stupa. Some villages of Gaya, Nalanda and Jehanabad have sculptures belonging to sects of Shaks, Vaishnavas, Buddhists and Jains, thereby suggesting the existence of a pluralistic society.

Choudhary said: “Once these inscriptions are deciphered, many facts about history would be known,” said Choudhary.

The exercise being computerised, said KPJRI director, would help researchers and aid in excavations of sites that the Government could develop as tourist spots.

“Besides the proposal to develop Nalanda villages, we have already sent a proposal to the government for the development of Barabar and Nagarjuni caves at Jehanabad and Kau-Dol, which is a Post-Gupta period Brahminical sculpture site near Gaya,” said Choudhary.

The exploration would take at least one year to cover the remaining districts in the state.

The Nitish Kumar Government has, meanwhile, planned to develop the 60 villages having links with Nalanda University concurrently with the International University of Nalanda coming up at Rajgir foothills. The idea is to add more value to the mega project.

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