Photo courtesy- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

NEW DELHI, Sept 29, 2022 (BSS) - The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has unraveled remarkable archaeological remains in Bandhavgarh Forest Reserve in India's Madhya Pradesh.

During the exploration conducted by ASI, 26 ancient temples/relics of Kalachuri period (9th century CE to 11th Century CE), 26 caves (2nd Century CE to 5th century CE mostly Buddhist in nature), 2 monasteries, 2 stupas, 24 Brahmi inscriptions (2nd century CE to 5th century CE), 46 sculptures, 20 scattered remains and 19 water structures (c.2nd-15thCE) are recorded. 

Among the 46 sculptures, also is a Varah sculpture which is one of the largest, according to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Culture here last evening.

The time period of the findings covered the reigns of the kings Shri Bhimsena, Maharaja Pothasiri, Maharaja Bhattadeva. 

Placed deciphered in the inscriptions are Kaushami, Mathura, Pavata (Parvata), Vejabharada and Sapatanaairikaa, the statement added.

An ASI team covered nearly 170 sq km falling in the area of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve over months-long exploration of the region which was undertook for the first time since 1938.

The exploration was conducted under by the Jabalpur Circle of ASI.