Unveiling Ancient Monastery Ruins and Pond in Ramgram

Lumbini, December 10

Excavations have uncovered the remains of an ancient monastery and the structure of a pond in Ramgram, Nawalparasi (west), where the relic of Lord Gautam Buddha is enshrined. Information about the excavation and the discovery of these ancient ruins and the pond was shared during a program organized on Saturday by a team of experts from the Department of Archaeology, Lumbini Development Trust (LDT), UNESCO, and Durham University, which has been conducting research for about a month.

During the program, Dhanpat Yadav, the Mayor of Ramgram Municipality, highlighted that the government has not given priority to the excavation and conservation work at Ramgram Stupa, the site where the Buddha's relic is preserved. He expressed enthusiasm for the recent discoveries made through excavations of ancient remnants and structures, urging increased support for such endeavors.

Dhundiraj Bhattarai, the Treasurer of Lumbini Development Trust, mentioned that the geophysical survey conducted at Ramgram Stupa has confirmed the existence of structures buried underground. He emphasized the archaeological significance of the discovered ruins and pond, stating that they add importance to the historical heritage of Ramgram Stupa. Bhattarai also unveiled the development plans initiated by LDT to enhance the preservation and development of Ramgram Stupa.

 

The team of experts from the Department of Archaeology (DoA), Lumbini Development Trust, and Durham University conducted excavations at Ramgram Stupa and geophysical surveys at Panditpur from November 1, 2023. Ram Bahadur Kunwar, the spokesperson of the Department of Archaeology, informed about the discoveries of ancient remains, ponds, and other archaeological artifacts in Ramgram. He mentioned the intention to extend research beyond the 1,000 meters surrounding the Ramgram Stupa area. Additionally, he reported the discovery of an ancient city buried beneath the ground during the geophysical survey in Panditpur, suggesting that Panditpur could potentially be a preserved city resembling a Koliya state.

Dr. Robin Coningham, a professor of archaeology and geophysics at Durham University, emphasized the importance of the recent excavation in providing substantial support for the historical significance of Ramgram Stupa. While experts like him can identify ancient structures through scientific methods, he acknowledged that the local community plays a crucial role in conserving these structures.

Bishwa Prakash Aryal, the Chief District Officer of Nawalparasi West, highlighted the importance of the excavation of Ramgram Stupa and emphasized its prioritized conservation.

The recent excavation and geophysical survey are expected to shed light on the archaeological remains and the chronological period of artifacts found in Ramgram. Himal Kumar Upreti, the senior archaeologist of Lumbini Development Trust, provided information on the archaeological significance of the discovered remnants and artifacts during the program. Sanuraja Shakya, Secretary, Saroj Bhattarai, Project Chief, and Kosh Prasad Acharya, former Director-General of the Department of Archaeology, were also present during the program.

Ramgram Stupa is a significant location where the relic of Lord Gautam Buddha is preserved in one of the eight parts. Excavations in Ramgram began in 1997 and continued in two phases until 2004. However, a more extensive excavation has been conducted from November 1, 2023, to November 30, 2023.