A cluster of unassuming villages in Hazaribag district's Chauparan block may be sitting atop one of eastern India's most significant archaeological discoveries in recent times. Emerging evidence from surface finds, scientific surveys, and decades of documentation suggests the presence of a vast, layered settlement in the Mohane river basin, potentially dating back nearly 3,200 years and spanning multiple historical periods.
National Seminar Highlights Urgent Need for Protection
The findings were discussed at a national seminar hosted by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad in March this year. Historians, scientists, and conservationists are now calling for immediate intervention by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to safeguard what could be an invaluable heritage site. Experts warn that without timely protection and systematic excavation, crucial evidence may be lost to unregulated construction, environmental exposure, and possible theft.
Villages at the Heart of the Discovery
The discovery focuses on the villages of Dehar, Sohra, Mangarh, and Hathinder. Residents have been unearthing artefacts during everyday activities such as farming and digging foundations for decades. Locals recount finding sculpted stones, pottery fragments, idols, and even chamber-like underground structures just a few feet beneath the surface, suggesting that the present-day habitation stands directly over an ancient settlement.
Scientific Validation Through GPR Surveys
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys carried out by teams from IIT-ISM Dhanbad and Visva-Bharati University have revealed extensive subsurface anomalies, including habitation layers, debris zones, and large buried structures. In some areas, these underground formations stretch over 100 feet, leading experts to believe they may be remnants of temple complexes, administrative centres, or even palace-like structures. This indicates an organised urban settlement rather than scattered habitation.
Remarkable Terracotta Ring Wells in Dehar
One of the most striking examples of this living archaeology is found in Dehar village, where dozens of terracotta ring wells estimated to be around 2,500 years old are still in use. Local researcher Shashi Shekhar stated that these wells, constructed with remarkable precision, descend to depths of 35 to 40 feet and maintain a uniform circumference of about 1.9 metres. Supported by durable Jamun wood bases, these wells reflect a sophisticated understanding of water management systems often associated with early historic urban centres, particularly during the Mauryan period. Their continued functionality has surprised researchers and underscores the advanced engineering capabilities of the settlement's inhabitants.
Decades of Research and Artefact Richness
Shashi, who has been carrying out research for the last two decades, highlighted the archaeological richness of the region, further evidenced by the widespread presence of artefacts across households. Villagers often describe Dehar as a “city of 52 wells and 53 alleys,” a phrase that hints at a structured and densely planned habitation pattern buried beneath the present landscape. From carved stone pillars to fragments of Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW), the findings point towards a prosperous and culturally active settlement. The recovery of NBPW some ten years ago was a turning point in the research work of ASI, which attracted national attention.
Mangarh Mound: Potential Buddhist Stupa
In nearby Mangarh, a large mound rising prominently from the surrounding fields has drawn significant academic attention. Scholars believe this structure could be a Buddhist stupa, possibly the largest discovered in Jharkhand. The site is littered with NBPW, a high-quality ceramic associated with the Indian Iron Age between 700 and 200 BCE, typically found in early urban centres. The presence of such material strengthens the argument that the region was once a thriving hub of trade and habitation.
Links to Ancient Buddhist Traditions
Some historians have also linked the site to ancient Buddhist traditions. Based on textual references to the distribution of relics after the Mahaparinirvana of Gautama Buddha, it has been hypothesised that a portion of these relics may have reached the Chotanagpur region. If proven, the Mangarh mound could represent a relic stupa, potentially elevating Chauparan to the status of major Buddhist centres such as Bodh Gaya, Shashi said.
Sohra Village: Fusion of Hindu and Buddhist Traditions
Sohra village offers further insight into the region's complex cultural and religious history. A prominent sculpture identified as Maa Tara features intricate carvings of Buddha figures in various mudras, representing a rare fusion of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Across the area, several idols currently worshipped as Hindu deities have been identified by archaeologists as Buddhist figures such as Marichi and Tara, dating from the 5th to the 12th centuries. This overlap suggests a gradual cultural transition and coexistence of religious traditions, likely under the influence of the Pala dynasty.
Continuous Habitation from Stone Age to Medieval Period
Archaeological evidence from the region indicates a long and continuous sequence of habitation, stretching from the Stone Age through the Iron Age and into the medieval period. Findings such as iron slag point to early metallurgical activity, while various types of pottery and structural remains reflect sustained socio-economic development over centuries.
Strategic Location Along Ancient Trade Routes
The geographical location of Chauparan further adds to its historical significance. Situated along the ancient Uttarapath trade route, which later evolved into the Grand Trunk Road, the region would have been strategically positioned for trade and cultural exchange. Its proximity to Bodh Gaya suggests it may have functioned as a satellite settlement, facilitating the movement of monks, traders, and pilgrims across eastern India.
Ongoing Research on Buddha Foot Routes
Researchers and local historians also believe the region may have been connected to the ancient pedestrian route associated with Gautama Buddha. Since Chauparan lies along the historic Uttarapath corridor linking Bodh Gaya with eastern and northern regions, experts suspect Buddhist monks, pilgrims, and travellers may have passed through these villages during ancient times. Ongoing field studies are attempting to trace these possible 'Buddha foot routes' through archaeological remains, old water systems, and settlement patterns found along the Mohane river basin.
