Kesaria Buddha Stupa For UPSC
Source : The Hindu
Art and Culture
What is discussed under Kesaria Buddha Stupa For UPSC ?
- What is the issue ?
- About the Stupa
Why in News ?
The world famous Kesaria Buddha stupa in east Champaran district of Bihar is water logged following flood in some parts of the district after heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of river Gandak in neighbouring Nepal.
Key Facts
- What is the issue ?
- Since it is waterlogged from all sides it is feared that it may suffer damage.
- Even last year too the stupa was waterlogged.
- About the Stupa
By Ashwini Kesharwani Own work, Public - ASI has declared it a protected monument.
- The stupa is located about 110 km from the State capital Patna
- It has a circumference of almost 400 feet and stands at a height of about 104 feet.
- The first construction of the nationally protected stupa is dated to the 3rd century BCE.
- It is regarded as the largest Buddhist stupa in the world and has been drawing tourists from across several Buddhist countries.
- The stupa’s exploration had started in the early 19th century after its discovery led by Colonel Mackenzie in
1814. - Later it was excavated by General Cunningham in 1861-62.
- In 1998 an ASI team led by archaeologist K.K. Muhammad had excavated the site properly.
- Original Kesaria stupa is said to date back to the time of emperor Ashoka in 250 BCE as the remains of an Ashokan pillar was discovered there.
- The local people call the stupa devalaya meaning house of gods.
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