2,500-Year-Old Civilization Unearthed in Jharkhand, India: Buddhist Stupa and Artifacts Discovered

Archaeological evidence of a 2,500 to 3,000-year-old civilization has been discovered in the Chouparan [Chauparan] block of the Hazaribagh [Hazaribag] district in Jharkhand [Jharkhand], India. Dr. Abhishek Singh Amar, Head of Asian Studies at Hamilton College, New York, has called the site a major center of archaeological importance. Teams from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) explored Daihar [Daihar], Sohra [Sohra], Mangarh [Mangarh], and Hathindar [Hathindar] villages. They collected samples of Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW), a black-glazed pottery type associated with civilizations dating from 300 to 100 BC. A large mound in Mangarh village was identified as an ancient Buddhist stupa, which has been worshipped by villagers for generations. Over the past 70 years, numerous statues and stone slabs have been unearthed during pond digging, well construction, and agricultural activities. A large divine statue, revered locally as Mata Kamala [Mata Kamala], is among the discoveries. Ancient statues of Gautam Buddha [Gautama Buddha], Buddhist goddess Tara [Tara], Marichi [Marichi], Avalokiteshvara [Avalokiteśvara], Brahma [Brahma], Vishnu [Vishnu], Mahesh [Mahesh], and Ganesha [Ganesha] have also been found. In Hathindar village, archaeologists recovered an ancient Sati stone and a terracotta ring well, indicating the site's historical significance. Two years ago, Dr. Arpita Ranjan from ASI's Delhi office examined stone slabs bearing ancient inscriptions. Researchers from India and abroad have visited Chouparan to study the artifacts. Experts believe deciphering these inscriptions could provide insights into the lost civilization. A proposal has been sent to the ASI’s central office for further excavations and research.