The Kumhrar site, associated with Mauryan history, is being excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to reveal the 80-pillar assembly hall.
About Excavation Site
- The 80-pillar hall is a key feature of the site.
- It is believed to have been a Buddhist assembly hall used for the Third Buddhist Council convened by Emperor Ashoka (268 BCE – 232 BCE).
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The Mauryan Empire
- Establishment: Founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 321 BCE.
- Expand: The Empire at its zenith extended from Afghanistan to the Deccan Plateau with the capital at Pataliputra (modern-day Patna).
Key Rulers of Mauryan Empire:
- Chandragupta Maurya: Founder of the empire, known for his administrative reforms and military conquests.
- Bindusara: Expanded the empire and established diplomatic relations with other kingdoms.
- Ashoka the Great: Ruled from 268 BCE to 232 BCE, known for his conversion to Buddhism and his efforts to promote peace and non-violence.
Administration:
- Highly centralized administration with a complex bureaucracy.
- Efficient system of tax collection and governance.
- Strong military force to maintain control over the vast empire.
Art and Culture:
- Architecture: Development of monumental architecture, including stupas and pillars.
- Sculpture: Exquisite stone carvings and sculptures, often depicting Buddhist themes.
- Literature: Flourishing of Sanskrit literature, including the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
- Philosophy: Spread of Buddhism and Jainism, influencing Indian thought and culture.
Legacy:
- The Mauryan Empire laid the foundation for a unified Indian subcontinent.
- Ashoka’s Dhamma influenced the development of Indian ethics and morality.
- The empire’s administrative and economic systems had a lasting impact on subsequent Indian dynasties.
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- The hall was supported by sandstone pillars standing on a wooden floor beneath a wooden ceiling.
- Mauryan Palace at Kumhrar: Apart from the 80-pillar hall, Kumhrar was home to the Mauryan palace, described in ancient texts as a structure of unparalleled grandeur.
- Greek ambassador Megasthenes compared it to the splendor of Susa and Ecbatana, Persian capitals known for their opulence.
- The palace’s wooden construction, combined with intricate designs, showcased the Mauryan mastery of architecture and urban planning.
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Historical Excavations at the site
- Early Discoveries (1912-1915): The first phase of excavation led by American archaeologist David Brainard Spooner revealed one intact pillar and the remains of 80 pits, marking the positions of the other pillars.
- Further Excavations (1961-1965): The K P Jayaswal Research Institute uncovered additional pillars and fragments, including a 4.6-meter-long pillar now displayed at the site.
- Significant Findings: Evidence of a devastating fire possibly caused during the Indo-Greek invasion in the 2nd century BCE or the Huna invasion in the late 5th or early 6th century CE was discovered during these excavations, with thick layers of ash found at the site.
December 5, 2024
