Under layers of soil, 80 sandstone pillars and a slice of Patna's Mauryan-era past

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CategoryHistory

Last Updated06/12/2024

Over the last few days, a rectangular patch of open ground at the Mauryan archaeological site of Kumhrar, a little over five km from the Patna railway station, has come alive with engineers and workers drawing circles on the ground with white powder.

The archaeological site of Kumhrar, located 5 km from Patna Railway Station, is witnessing renewed activity as engineers and workers begin uncovering the remnants of an ancient Mauryan architectural marvel. Underneath this rectangular ground lie stumps and pits where 80 sandstone pillars once supported a grand assembly hall, possibly linked to Emperor Ashoka’s reign.

The 80-pillar hall, spanning 39 by 32 meters, is believed to have been a significant Buddhist assembly hall dating back to the Mauryan period (321–185 BCE).
Historical Significance: Historians suggest Emperor Ashoka held the Third Buddhist Council here to unify the Buddhist sangha.
Architectural Details: The hall featured wooden floors and ceilings, accessed via a canal. Sandstone for the pillars was likely transported through the Sone-Ganga route.

First Excavation (1912–1915): Led by American archaeologist David Brainard Spooner, this phase uncovered one pillar, stone fragments, and 80 pits indicating pillar positions.
Second Excavation (1961–1965): Conducted by the K P Jayaswal Research Institute, this phase revealed four more pillars.
The largest pillar, 4.6 meters long, remains on display near the site. Over time, some fragments have reportedly disappeared.

In 2004–2005, rising water levels submerged parts of the site, leading the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to cover the pillar stumps with soil to preserve them.
Rationale for Covering: Adhering to the principle of “if you cannot conserve it, preserve it,” ASI aimed to prevent further damage.
Trigger for Reopening: The water table in Patna has receded significantly over two decades, prompting renewed interest in uncovering the site.

The ASI plans to uncover six to seven pillars over the next three months, closely monitoring humidity and water table levels. Based on findings, an expert committee will decide on exposing all 80 pillars.
Preservation Strategy: Collaboration with the Central Ground Water Board will ensure sustainable conservation.
Local Buzz and Tourism: The site, already drawing 500–700 daily visitors, is expected to become a larger tourist attraction.

Cause of Destruction: Evidence of thick ash layers suggests the hall may have been destroyed by fire, possibly during the Indo-Greek or later Huna invasions.
Uncertain Timeline: While the hall's construction period remains debatable, it is conclusively linked to the Mauryan era.