ABOUT THE
Attraction
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Deur Kothar is an archaeological site known for Buddhist stupas that were discovered in 1982. These stupas date back to the Mauryan dynasty and were declared a monument of national importance in 1988.
Excavations done by the Archaeological Survey of India unearthed monasteries, a water channel system, an ancient pathway, and 30 stone stupas, containing potsherds of black polished ware, which was the pottery of everyday use between 700 and 300 BC. The complex, stretching for almost 3 km, boasts four brick stupas, the most ever found at a site of this period. The sizes of bricks used to build these stupas point at an early date. Motifs as twirling lotus, conical lotus bud, and a simple flower pot on a three-tiered pedestal, dating back to early Buddhist period, can be seen on the railing posts of the largest brick stupa, which is nearly 30 feet high. More than 60 rock shelters, most likely used by monks for meditation, dot the area. One of the pillars excavated has an inscription that says it was erected in the memory of Lord Buddha. Objects found here point at the technological advancement of ancient Deur Kothar and the fact that it was a thriving mercantile settlement.
The nearest town is Rewa (66km) and the closest major city is Allahabad, 69 km away.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Dharmrajeshwar
The complex houses the ruins of a vihara, stupa and chaityas. These caves are cut into the coarse laterite rock of the Chandanagiri hill. The series of 14 rock-cut Buddhist caves from the 7th century.
Sanchi
Praised as the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in existence, its monolithic pillars, stupas, palaces, temples and monasteries all spread Buddha’s philosophy through their art and architecture.
Ahichchhatra
Ahichchhatra (or Ahi-Kshetra) was the ancient capital of Northern Panchala, a northern Indian kingdom mentioned in Mahabharata.