Mauryan-Era Stupa In Madhya Pradesh's Deorkothar: India’s Past Lies Buried In Neglect

In the Deorkothar village of Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district, there lies a Mauryan-era Stupa that may predate the well-known Sanchi Stupa.

However, this historical treasure which dates back to third century BC has been mostly left uncared for and looks like an unkempt hill.

Discovered in 1982 by archaeologist Dr Phani Kanta Mishra, the site is rich in history, with four monasteries, 33 stupas, and 63 rock shelters.

The main stupa stands over 9m tall and is made of brick, while other stupas are made of rock.

"This stupa predates Sanchi stupa, going by Brahmi inscriptions and pillar remains, and it is the centre point between Sarnath and Sanchi", archaeologist Dr Phani Kanta Mishra, who was with the ASI Bhopal when he discovered the site, was quoted by Times of India as saying.

Despite the discovery of significant archaeological finds during the last excavation at the site in 1999-2000, no major conservation effort has been taken since then.

The report of the excavations at the site in 1999-2000 is still pending, reports ToI.

"We have not seen any work being done there. A local villager has been deployed as a guard," Deur panchayat secretary Ram Charan Yadav was quoted in the ToI report as saying.

In an attempt to garner attention towards the neglected treasure, Dr Mishra has urged the government to take up its conservation as a project.

He also called for publishing the excavation report.

"I have been writing to ASI for four years, seeking permission to write the report but to no avail," Mishra added.

TOI contacted superintending archaeologist with ASI's Jabalpur circle, Dr Shiva Kant Bajpayee, on the issue and he said that there is a project on the cards. "A proposal for conservation of the site is being prepared and we are hopeful of starting conservation works soon," he said

The superintending archaeologist with ASI's Jabalpur circle, Dr Shiva Kant Bajpayee, was quoted in the ToI report as saying that a proposal for the conservation of the site is being prepared.

Bajpayee added that he was hopeful of starting conservation works soon.