Ancient Buddhist stupas found in Haryana's Yamunanagar

Buddhist site in Haryana

A team from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has discovered signs of ancient Buddhist stupas and structural remains buried beneath the soil in the Yamunanagar district of Haryana.

According to a report by The Times of India, the researchers have uncovered signs of ancient structures, circular formations, old walls, and chamber-like rooms, buried around 6 to 7 feet below the surface using advanced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology.

These findings suggest the possible presence of a 2,000-year-old Buddhist site. The survey was initiated by the Haryana State Department of Archaeology as part of a larger effort to identify historical remains in various locations, including Topra Kalan and nearby villages, where remnants like old bricks are often found scattered on the ground.

The investigation, conducted by a team from IIT Kanpur, points to significant buried heritage, potentially from the Buddhist era or even the Mahabharata period, as per local oral traditions.

Professor Javed Malik from IIT Kanpur’s Civil Engineering Department explained that their geo-radar readings around the mound revealed distinct signals consistent with a semi-circular structure. “When we surveyed the mound’s perimeter, we recorded strong reflections that suggested a buried structure beneath. Archaeology department officials later confirmed the presence of what they believed to be a stupa nearby. Based on the data, we are confident that we’ve detected an ancient stupa hidden underground,” news agency IANS quoted him as saying.

“Although the structures are currently only visible at select points, if further surveys and excavations reveal a widespread pattern, it could demonstrate how far this culture once spread and flourished,” he added.

Professor Malik also highlighted the broader importance of the research. “It would be a major discovery not just for Haryana but for all of India. Establishing the presence of Buddhist settlements here will enrich our understanding of ancient trade routes, religious networks, and cultural exchanges that shaped the subcontinent,” he said.