Neglect threatens centuries-old Buddhist legacy in Haryana

Several highly significant ancient Buddhist archaeological sites in Haryana still require protection under the Archaeological Survey of India or the Haryana State Archaeology and Museums Department.

According to Sidhartha Gauri, founder of The Maitreya Trust, (a social organisation); the Adi Badri area in Yamunanagar district, popularly known as the origin of the Saraswati river, also contains multiple ancient Buddhist sites. In the northern direction from the Archaeological Survey of India’s Museum Complex at Adi Badri, located on a hilltop, remnants of a stone votive stupa were discovered by him. The votive stupa is constructed from locally available Shivalik stone. It is approximately 4 ft in height and is situated beneath a Peepal tree, which holds sacred significance in the Buddhist tradition.

Gauri further observed that another ancient site, likely of Buddhist origin, existed on the hilltop behind the Mantra Devi Temple at Adi Badri. The site lies to the east of Surya Narayan Mandir, indicating a broader archaeological spread across a radius of 1-2 km in the region. It is important to note that several nearby sites designated as ABR-1, ABR-2 and ABR- 3 are already protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. This suggests that the core pilgrimage area of Adi Badri holds significant archaeological potential, including the Buddhist heritage.

Dr Manoj Kumar, an archaeologist and alumnus of Kurukshetra University, identified an ancient brick mound at Khatarwali village in Vyaspur block of Yamunanagar district in 2015 and submitted a report to the Haryana State Archaeology Department. During his investigation, Kushan-period bricks and a circular, dome-like structural formation — suggestive of a stupa — were discovered. However, due to extensive sand mining and continuous agricultural activity, most of the visible archaeological remains associated with this structure have now largely disappeared. Dr Manoj Kumar is now planning to conduct ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys, a non-invasive technique used to investigate subsurface conditions, which can provide valuable insights for archaeological exploration and mapping buried structures.

Another important ancient brick mound identified by Gauri lies near the ancient site of Thanesar in Kurukshetra district. Gauri associates this site with the ancient trading town of Thullakotthia mentioned in Pali literature. The Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang, during the 7th century CE, documented the prosperity of Kurukshetra, highlighting its religious importance, the presence of Buddhist monasteries and a major stupa. The region has yielded several archaeological remains, including Kushan-era bricks dating back to nearly 2,000 years.

“Alexander Cunningham, in his report of 1863–64, noted a smaller mound in the northeast—approximately 15 ft high and 150 ft wide—which he identified as the probable remains of a stupa. He also referred to a significant stupa near the northeastern bank of the Saraswati river, close to the ancient site of Thanesar and near the Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra. Despite its historical importance, the site has remained neglected for over 160 years,” said Sidhartha Gauri.

In light of these findings, Sidhartha Gauri, on behalf of The Maitreya Trust, has formally submitted a request to both the Archaeological Survey of India, Chandigarh Circle and the Haryana State Archaeology and Museums Department to bring the ancient brick mound of Thanesar under official protection and jurisdiction.

Sidhartha Gauri, also founder of the ‘Ashoka Edicts Park’ at Topra Kalan village in Yamunanagar district, is associated with a project announced by the former Chief Minister of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar.

He has been in association with ‘The Buddhist Forum’ and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

In 2025, at Topra Kalan village, a ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey was carried out by the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, under Prof Javed Malik.

“At one of the sites close to the lake in the eastern part of the village, cross-sections of overlapping brick wall, room-like structures were observed. These cross-sections of brick wall rooms, sometimes belonging to different eras, if excavated, can help in determining the exact date of the habitation and civilisation,” said Sidhartha Gauri.

He added, “Pottery remains of black, red and grey wares have been found at Topra Kalan village, which roughly date back to the late Harappan period. If this site of Topra Kalan receives protection from the Archaeology Department, it has the potential to unlock the past historical mysteries of the region.”