Ancient Find in Ramgram - Nawalparasi : Buddha's Legacy Unearthed

Archaeologists have uncovered remnants of ancient monasteries, walls, and ponds in Nawalparasi, located in the Western Region. A team consisting of specialists from the Department of Archaeology, Lumbini Development Trust, UNESCO, and Durham University conducted the excavation in Ramgram, where it is believed Buddha's relics are buried.

Beginning on November 1, the team unearthed an old monastery and a pond near the northwest side of the Ramgram stupa. The Mayor of Ramgram Municipality, Dhanpat Yadav, explained that these archaeological structures had remained hidden underground due to a lack of government focus on excavation and preservation. He expressed excitement over the recent discoveries. It's worth noting that the Ramgram stupa is one of eight locations where relics of Gautam Buddha are believed to be interred.

Dhundiraj Bhattairai (Siddhicharan), who serves as the Fund Treasurer for Lumbini Development Trust, mentioned that these discoveries have confirmed the structure identified in a previous geophysical survey conducted at the Ramgram Stupa. The expert team plans to continue excavating the Ramgram area until November 30.

Spokesperson for the Department of Archaeology, Ram Bahadur Kunwar, asserted that these newfound remnants indicate that areas beyond a 1 km radius from the stupa should also be explored.

Besides, Nepal has a history of more than 10,000 years. As such, there are bound to be several archaeological secrets yet to be discovered. This is also true with the already found several archaeological sites in Nepal. Government should make more effective plans and arrangements for the same.