ASI discovers Buddha relics during Akhnoor excavations

S Chander Sharma

Jammu, April 30: THE Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered Buddha relics during excavation of a 1st century BC stupa on the right bank of Chenab river at Amabarran in Akhnoor tehsil, about 28 km from here.

This was disclosed by the Director General of the ASI, Dr Komal Anand, who was on a two-day visit of Jammu to take part in the valedictory function of an exhibition on Heritage-Jammu through the ages, here on Friday.

The relics, which include some charred bones, a tooth and ashes of Lord Buddha, besides some coins and other antiques, were also on display at the Amar Mahal Museum and Library here. However, Dr Anand added that DNA tests will also be conducted on the relics.

The relics contained in a copper reliquary were found during the excavation at the hamlet called Pambarwan at Ambarran on April 22 last. Talking to The Indian Express, Dr Anand said the excavation work of the stupa was going on in the village as many ancient items, including six life-size Buddha heads — few of them now lying in various museums in Britain — terracotta human fingers, coins, pottery and ornaments dating back between 1st century BC and 4th century AD had already been found there.

However, during further excavations started in 1999, the base of a stupa was discovered which has now been identified as Saririka stupa, Dr Anand said. She said the reliquary, discovered five days ago, contains a silver casket, gold and silver leaves, pearls, corals, carnelian, amethyst and three copper coins.

Excavations were carried out in over 30 quadrants of squares, each measuring 10x10 mts, to know the association of the terracota heads found here earlier with the site and to study the layout and planning of the site believed to be the only early Buddhist site in Jammu region.

A cultural sequence of four periods, from 2nd-1st century BC and 6th-7th century AD was noticed, she added. It was found that during early Kushan period (1st century AD) the site emerged as a Buddhist site with a stupa.

Some stupas were also constructed on its periphery, Dr Komal said, adding that a large enclosure, walls of a monastery and a shrine were also excavated, which were constructed during the Kushan period and reconstructed and repaired during following periods.