Preparations underway to give Bihar's ancient heritage global recognition

Patna, 04 August: The Bihar state government is set to launch a comprehensive campaign to promote the state's thousands of years old historical and cultural heritage globally and develop it as a new hub for tourism. Chief Minister Smarat Choudhary has directed the preparation of a detailed action plan for the protection, scientific survey, excavation, and overall development of the state's key archaeological sites, including Bodh Gaya, Sultan Ganj, Mandar, and the world-famous Kesaria Stupa.

The government's objective is to restore the historical significance of these sites and bring them to the center of attention nationally and internationally. A delegation of senior archaeologists and experts from across the country met with the Chief Minister and presented a detailed survey report of the Maa Mundeshwari Temple complex and surrounding areas in Kaimur district. The delegation stated that the thousands of ancient ruins scattered within the temple premises can be scientifically restored, preserved, and documented, which would develop the entire area as a major center for Indian archaeology.

The Chief Minister directed that a phased action plan be prepared for the protection and restoration of the Maa Mundeshwari Temple ruins, as per the experts' recommendations. Additionally, the tourism potential of the entire region should be developed comprehensively, providing a rich cultural and historical experience for tourists visiting from within and outside the country.

The delegation that met with the Chief Minister included Padma Shri Dr. K.K. Muhammad (world-renowned archaeologist and member of the Ram Janmabhoomi excavation team), Professor Dr. Rajat Sanyal, Professor at the Kolkata Institute, Professor Anil Kumar (Chief Executive Officer, Bihar Heritage Development Committee, and expert associated with the UNESCO World Heritage Project at Shantiniketan), Dr. Hari Om Sharma, Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Patna, Development Commissioner Secretary Mr. Mahir Kumar Singh, and Secretary of the Department of Art, Culture, and Building Construction, Mr. Pranav Kumar.

The meeting also discussed in detail the plan for the integrated development of the Telhar Kund, Krika Garh, and other sites of natural importance in the Kaimur region. These sites are located about four kilometers away from the Banaras-Kolkata Expressway, which will facilitate easy access for tourists in the future. Experts stated that the area, rich in natural beauty, historical significance, and archaeological potential, can be developed as a new heritage and eco-tourism circuit for Bihar. After the scientific protection and organized development of these sites, an effort will be made to include them in the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list in the future.

The Chief Minister directed a survey of the Mahabodhi Temple premises in Bodh Gaya and its surroundings using the latest LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) technologies. Through these techniques, the possible archaeological structures and remains beneath the earth can be identified scientifically without excavation. This will make future excavation work more accurate and efficient.

The meeting also emphasized the protection, stabilization, and overall development of sites of historical and archaeological importance in the Sultan Ganj and Mandar areas. The Chief Minister stated that the historical significance of these sites should be preserved and presented in an organized manner to give a new impetus to religious and cultural tourism.

The Chief Minister directed the scientific excavation of the remaining portion of the Kesaria Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. So far, only a partial excavation of this massive stupa has been carried out, while significant archaeological remains are likely to be present in its larger portions. Notably, Padma Shri Dr. K.K. Muhammad has played a crucial role in the excavation and protection of the Kesaria Stupa in the past. The Chief Minister directed that necessary action be taken to expedite the scientific excavation and protection of the remaining area.

In the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized that several important archaeological sites are still preserved beneath the soil of Bihar, whose scientific identification, excavation, and protection can open new chapters in the state's history. Additionally, cultural tourism will gain a new momentum, employment opportunities will increase at the local level, and the regional economy will also be strengthened.