Panditpur unearths ancient city structure

By Our Correspondent

Nawalparasi West, Dec 11 : Excavations at the historic and archaeological site of Panditpur, in Ramgram Municipality-18, Nawalparasi West, have uncovered the remains of an ancient city. Following the discovery, efforts have begun to protect and preserve the site.

The excavation, which lasted for a month, unearthed major city structures. In addition to the area identified by a geophysical survey, further remains resembling a Buddhist Vihara have been found. The excavation also uncovered the Kushan-era bronze coins and other archaeological artefacts.

Bhaskar Gyawali, an archaeologist from the Department of Archaeology, emphasised the importance of the findings, stating that the area should be declared a protected zone, and the land be acquired for conservation purposes. 

He warned that agricultural activities and settlements in the region could damage these ancient structures and recommended halting construction work.

Ramgram Municipality is collaborating with the Department of Archaeology to determine the exact extent of the area. 

Municipal Mayor Dhanpat Yadav informed that the municipality would use the results of the previous geophysical survey to demarcate the area and consult with the land survey and registration offices for a proper land measurement process.

“There’s no doubt that Panditpur was the capital of the Koliyan Republic, and the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The federal government must urgently declare it a protected site and initiate land acquisition,” said Yadav.

The excavations also revealed the remains of a circular-shaped, well-organised ancient city. Samples from the site, which were sent to Britain for testing, confirmed that the structures date back to the 6th century BC.