A team of archaeologists working on excavations in the Taranga Hills in the Indian state Gujarat, have identified a new archaeological site linked to the Buddhist history of the region. Archaeologists of Excavation Branch V of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) were searching for Buddhist habitation at Gurjarasan or Bhimpur Village at the foot of the hills behind Taran Dharan Mata temple when they found a few artefacts indicating a small settlement.
Their excavations at Taranga Hills have so far revealed an assembly or prayer hall with votive stupas, a mahastupa on the peak of Dhagolia hill, 22 platforms, 50 rock shelters, brick structures resembling viharas, and about 54 votive stupas, all dated to between the first and seventh centuries CE. Because of the presence of an image of Taran Dharan Mata, a manifestation of the goddess Tara, experts believe that tantric Buddhism might have been practised in the region.
“Due to the size of the settlement and activity [in the hills], it was always a question how the habitation connected to outside world—from where did they get alms and help. Due to its proximity to Vadnagar, another ancient town, it was believed that there could have been a small settlement [connecting the Buddhist site in the Taranga Hills with Vadnagar],” said an ASI official. “While surveying the periphery of the hill, we stumbled upon pottery and other artifacts on surface after which we believe that there is possibility for the excavation of a mound of about three to four metres height.” (The Times of India)
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