Zehanpora Stupas Reveal Kashmir’s Ancient Buddhist Heritage

Why in the News ?

The Zehanpora archaeological site in North Kashmir has gained national attention after being mentioned by the Prime Minister in Mann Ki Baat, following fresh scientific mapping that confirms the presence of over 2,000-year-old Buddhist stupas.

Discovery and Archaeological Significance of Zehanpora:

• The Zehanpora site, spread across nearly 10 acresin Baramulla district, was long mistaken for natural earth mounds by locals.
• Recent investigations have revealed these mounds to be man-made structures, resembling a stupa-like plateau, indicating a strong Buddhist presence.
• Initial estimates date the site to over 2,000 years old, with experts linking it to the Kushan period, a key phase in the spread of Buddhism.
• Since October last year, researchers from the University of Kashmir’s Centre of Central Asian Studies, along with the J&K Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, have undertaken systematic mapping.
• Advanced tools such as drones, remote sensing, and aerial surveyssuggest the entire area is layered with structural remains, including evidence of a wooden superstructure once built over the mounds.

Buddhist Roots of Kashmir: Textual and Historical Insights

• Popular belief associates the spread of Buddhism in Kashmirwith Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, who is known for patronising Buddhist institutions.
• However, Kalhana’s Rajataranginisuggests that Buddhism existed in Kashmir even before Ashoka’s reign, challenging conventional timelines.
• Another key source, the Mahavamsa, records that Ashoka invited scholars from Kashmirto the Third Buddhist Council at Pataliputra, highlighting the region’s early intellectual role.
• Archaeological patterns at Zehanpora strengthen the view that Kashmir lay along important ancient trade and cultural routes, facilitating religious exchange.
• Excavation work has been temporarily halted due to winter conditionsand is expected to resume, promising deeper insights into Kashmir’s civilisational past.