In the early 2000s, the state archaeology department unearthed a significant piece of history a Buddhist monastery in Vadnagar. This discovery marked the town as a pivotal center for Buddhism. The journey to uncover Vadnagars Buddhist heritage began in 1992 with the finding of a Bodhisattva idol, subsequently leading to the revelation of a trove of artifacts from both the town and its surroundings.

HiuenTsangsAccount :

In 641 CE, the renowned Chinese travelerHiuenTsang traversed the region, bestowing the name Anantapura/Anandapura uponVadnagar. He described a bustling town with a dense population, boasting tensamgharamasand harboring fewer than 1,000 monks.HiuenTsang noted their study of the Hinayana of theSammatiyaSchool,providinginvaluable insights into the religious practices of that time.

Approximately38kmnortheast ofVadnagarlies Taranga, offering a distinct chapter in the regions Buddhist history. Experts contend that while Buddhism flourished inVadnagarfrom the 1st to the 7th centuries CE, its practice persisted in various forms until the 14th century at the Taranga hills. Further excavations at Taranga uncovered structures believed to be part of a Buddhist religious complex, unveiling the enduring nature of Buddhism in the region.

ASI Excavations atVadnagar:

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI),commencingexcavations inVadnagarsince 2015, has uncovered remarkable structures. Among these is an elliptical structure accompanied by a nearby square stupa, alongside a colossal edifice near Sharmishtha Lake. These findings contribute to solidifyingVadnagarsstatus as a crucial Buddhist site, echoing with historical significance.

The recent joint study by prominent institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Physical Research Laboratory, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Deccan College, reveals compelling evidence of cultural continuity inVadnagar, Gujarat. This continuity persists even after the collapse of the Harappan civilization, challenging the notion of a Dark Age in Indian history.

The archaeological excavation, led by the ASI and funded by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums (Government of Gujarat), uncovered a settlement inVadnagardating back to 800 BCE. This period aligns with the late-Vedic/pre-BuddhistMahajanapadas or oligarchic republics, suggesting a rich historical tapestry that endured over 3,000 years. The study proposes that the rise and fall of kingdoms and recurrent invasions in India were influenced by climatic changes, such as rainfall or droughts.

Published in the Elsevier journal Quaternary Science Reviews, the paper titled Climate, human settlement, and migration in South Asia from early historic to medieval period: evidence from new archaeological excavation at Vadnagar, Western India outlines the research findings. The excavation, supported by Sudha Murthy (former chairperson of the Infosys Foundation), unveiled Vadnagar as a multicultural and multireligious settlement encompassing Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, and Islamic influences.

The archaeological exploration in Vadnagar unearthed seven cultural stages, spanning from the Mauryan period to Gaekwad-British colonial rule. The citys endurance through diverse cultural epochs is evident in the discovery of one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries, along with artifacts like potteries, copper, gold, silver, iron objects, intricately designed bangles, and coin molds from the Indo-Greek rule.

According to ASI archaeologist Abhijit Ambekar, the excavations co-author, Vadnagar may be the oldest living city within a single fortification in India. Recent unpublished radiocarbon dates suggest the settlements potential age of 1400 BCE, contemporary to the late post-urban Harappan period. Professor Anindya Sarkar of IIT, the lead author, posits that if true, this challenges the concept of a Dark Age and implies cultural continuity in India for the past 5500 years.

As we look to the way forward, these findings emphasize the importance of continued archaeological research and preservation efforts in Vadnagar and other historical sites. Understanding the rich cultural history can contribute to a deeper comprehension of Indias past and foster a sense of national identity.

However, the path forward is not without challenges. Preservation of archaeological sites requires substantial resources and vigilant conservation measures. Furthermore, disseminating these historical insights to the wider public is crucial for fostering a collective appreciation of Indias diverse cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the discovery in Vadnagar provides a fascinating glimpse into Indias ancient history, challenging prevailing notions and underscoring the need for sustained efforts in archaeological exploration, preservation, and public awareness. The journey towards uncovering the depths of Indias past continues, promising a richer understanding of the cultural mosaic that has shaped the nation over millennia. This groundbreaking study challenges historical perceptions and suggests a cultural continuity in India for the last 5500 years, potentially debunking the idea of a Dark Age.

Link:
Vadnagar unearthed: Journey through Millennia, challenging notions of a Dark Age - Times of India