Bihar Mound Named Site of National Importance, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• The Ranivas Mound in Kesariya, East Champaran district, Bihar, has been declared an archaeological site of national importance by the central government.
• The Ministry of Culture issued a gazette notification on November 4, formalizing this declaration under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
• This site spans 1.63 acres and is owned by the Bihar government.
• This is the first new site in Bihar to be brought under the ambit of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) since 1996.
• With this addition, Bihar now has 71 sites under the care of the ASI, out of a total of 3,686 such sites nationwide.

Ranivas Mound.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• The declaration of Ranivas Mound as a site of national importance follows a recommendation sent to ASI headquarters in 2021.
• The ASI Patna Circle had previously conducted excavations at the mound, revealing structures like monastery cells, a gate, a pillared veranda, and a courtyard.
• Significant findings from the excavation include a terracotta sealing depicting a tiered stupa with an inscription, and pottery including red ware and some black ware.
• The Ranivas Mound is located near the Kesariya Stupa, which is considered one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, dating back to the Mauryan period.
• The Kesariya Stupa is historically significant as it is believed to be a place where Lord Buddha delivered sermons during his last journey.
• The ASI is responsible for the conservation, preservation, and maintenance of centrally protected monuments and sites across India.
• The Patna Circle of the ASI, one of India's oldest regional circles, governs centrally protected sites in Bihar, including the Nalanda University ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act): A central law for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites of national importance, regulating excavations and protecting artifacts.
• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): The premier organization under the Ministry of Culture responsible for archaeological research, protection of cultural heritage, and maintenance of protected monuments in India.
• Monument of National Importance: An archaeological site or monument declared by the Central Government under the AMASR Act to be of national significance, bringing it under central protection and ASI management.