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In Raisen district, MP.
It is unique in having the most perfect and well preserved stupas, and Buddhist art and architecture.
Buddhist Stupa:
- Originally commissioned by Ashoka.
  - A hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha.
  - Pillar edict (polished sandstone) of Ashoka erected.
- Sunga period:
  - Expanded with stone slabs.
  - Enclosed by a stone balustrade with four toranas.
- Satavahana period:
  - The gateways and the balustrade were improved and colored.
  - An inscription records the gift by the artisans of the Satavahana king Satakarni.
Apart from the Stupa, the place also has temples, pillar edicts and Monastries.
Stone carving:
- Buddha not depicted as a human figure but by attributes, such as the horse, his footprints, or a canopy under the bodhi tree.
- Carved in the manner of wood.
- The gateways were covered with narrative sculptures with scenes from the life of the Buddha integrated with everyday events.
In 1960s, a Chetiyagiri Vihara was built to celebrate the 2500 years of Buddha Parinirvana
It is strategically located on two important trade routes.

Bharhut

In Satna district, M.P.
Famous for Buddhist stupa, first built by Ashoka and in which richly decorated railings were added under Sungas.
Here Buddha is represented through symbols like Bodhi tree, empty seat etc. Railings of the stupa contains several jataka stories and yaksha & yakshini images.
Unique feature is that it was a Mauryan popular art and not Imperial as shown through inscriptions giving names of monks, common man, etc.
The ancient trade route from western coastal region to Patliputra joined the road to northern Shravasti, through Bharhut.

Bagh Caves

In Dhar district (north-west of Ajanta), Madhya Pradesh.
Buddhist rock cut caves used as Viharas.
Architecture:
- Plan related to the Ajanta caves.
- All the caves are ‘viharas’ with quadrangular plan.
- A chamber at the back, forms the ‘chaitya’, the prayer hall.
Mural paintings:
- On wall, pillars and ceiling.
- Related to the Buddhist and Jataka stories.
A copper plate inscription of Maharaja Subandhu, recording his donation for the repair of the vihara was found.

Ajanta Caves

Situated on the northern fringe of the Maharashtra Plateau, in district of Aurangabad.
The (30) caves of Ajanta are listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
Buddhist Caves (2 century BC to 7 century AD).
The 7 century Chinese Pilgrim, Huen Tsang mentioned it.
Built in two phases-
- Satavahana- Hinayana
- Vakațaka- Mahayana
Elaborate caves.
Architecture:
- Chaityas and viharas.
- Early viharas – simpler, and lack shrines.
- Later Viharas also had shrine at the rear centres, statue of Buddha.
- This change reflects the movement from Hinayana to Mahayana Buddhism.
Paintings:
- Mural paintings.
- Buddhist themes like Jataka stories.
- Paintings use many colors.

Ellora Caves

In Aurangabad district, Maharashtra.
The site figures in UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
34 Rock-cut cave (6th century AD onward).
Buddhist, Hindu and Jain rock-cut temples and Viharas,
Built during Kalachuri, Chalukya and Rashtrakuta.
The Jagannatha Sabha– Jain Digambara cave temples (built by Rashtrakuta).
Viharas
One chaitya griha of the Buddhist caves.
Hindu Architecture:
Kailasanatha temple
- Built by Rashtrakuta king Krishna III in 8 century.
- Dravidian architecture.
- Looks like Mount Kailash
- free standing,
- multi-storeyed temple,
- carved out of one single rock.
Dashavatara Cave- monolithic mandapa.
Sculptural panels including the ten avatars of Vishnu.
Inscription:
- Of grant of Dantidurga of Rashtrakuta.
- Inscriptions on the Kailash temple.
- Jain cave Jagannatha Sabha has inscriptions that give the names of monks and donors.
Cave paintings are also seen at Ellora, Also famous for its fresco painting which have Brahminical and Jain themes.

Kanheri Caves

Near Mumbai.
Buddhist influence.
First century BCE to the 10th century CE.
Earlier caves are not decorated.
Caves have
- a stone plinth
- chaityas
- stone pillars
- stupa, a Buddhist shrine.
- viharas
- chaityas
- carved Buddhist sculptures-
  - Avalokiteshwara
Inscriptions in Brahmi:
- Mentions marriage of Satavahana ruler Vashishtiputra Satakarni with the daughter of RudradamanI.
Some Buddhist paintings.
Connected with trade centers.

Karla Caves (Bhaja Cave and Bedsa Cavee is also nearby)

Near Lonavala, Maharashtra.
The shrines developed over two periods:
- 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD,
- 5th century AD to the 10th century.
On ancient trade route.
Associated with the Mahasamghika sect of Buddhism and later with Hinduism.
Carved chaitya- among the largest rock-cut chaityas in India.
viharas
Sculptures:
- human.
- animals such as lions and elephants.
Arched entrances and vaulted interiors.
An Ashokan pillar found.

Nagarjunakonda

Location:
- Situated in Palnadu district, Andhra Pradesh
- Located on the right bank of the Krishna River, near Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
- The original site is now submerged, and excavated remains have been relocated to an island in Nagarjuna Sagar
Historical Significance:
- Known as Vijayapuri, the capital of the southern Ikshvaku dynasty (c. 210–260 CE)
- Named after Acharya Nagarjuna, a great philosopher and founder of the Madhyamika School of Mahayana Buddhism
- Served as a major centre of Buddhist learning, monastic activity, and international pilgrimage
Cultural Layers:
- Evidence of Neolithic and Megalithic culture prior to urbanization
- Later became a prominent Buddhist and urban centre in early historical Deccan
Buddhist Features:
- Contained numerous Mahastupas, chaityas, viharas, and residential cells
- Functioned as a university town for monks and scholars of Mahayana Buddhism
- Inscriptions reference dhamma yatras, Sangha endowments, and patronage of religious structures
Architecture and Art:
- Reflects the transition from Amaravati School of Art to heavier, simplified sculptural forms
- Limestone panels depict:
  - Scenes from Jataka tales
  - Events from Buddha’s life
  - Donative inscriptions in Brahmi script
- Notable for the use of ayaka-pillars—symbolic pillars around stupas with carved events from Buddha’s life
Royal and Foreign Patronage:
- Flourished under Ikshvaku rulers, especially Queen Chamtisiri
- Supported by merchants, artisans, and international patrons from Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia
- Inscriptions confirm guild-based sponsorships and land donations
Urban and Economic Life:
- Inhabited by a thriving community of merchants and artisans, often organized in guilds
- Town planning reflected in quadrangular monastery layouts and planned public spaces
Archaeological Significance:
- Excavations led by A. H. Longhurst and later M. Nagaraja Rao uncovered:
  - Over 30 Buddhist structures
  - Numerous inscriptions, sculptures, and artefacts
- Helped reconstruct the religious, ritual, and intellectual life of early Mahayana Buddhism in the Deccan
Significance:
- Nagarjunakonda symbolizes:
  - The spread of Mahayana Buddhism in peninsular India
  - The fusion of religious learning, royal patronage, and artistic expression
  - A crucial link in the transnational Buddhist network across South and Southeast Asia

Amaravati

Location:
- Situated in Palnadu district, Andhra Pradesh
- Lies on the right bank of the Krishna River, near the modern city of Guntur
- Identified with ancient Dhanyakataka, capital of the Satavahanas
Chronological and Cultural Context:
- An important Meghalithic, Black and Red Ware (BRW), and Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) site
- Inscriptions in Maurya Brahmi script found at the site
Historical and Religious Significance:
- A major Buddhist pilgrimage and monastic centre
- Known for the Amaravati Stupa, among the earliest and grandest in India
- Flourished between 200–100 BCE to 5th–6th centuries CE
- Visited by Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang in the 7th century CE
Stupa and Monastic Features:
- Central stupa initially built during the Satavahana period (2nd century BCE)
- Expanded during the Ikshvaku dynasty
- The site once housed a large Mahavihara (Buddhist monastery)
- The central stupa possibly housed the relics of the Buddha
Art and Architecture:
- Known for the Amaravati School of Art, characterized by:
  - High-relief limestone sculptures
  - Narrative panels and ornate railing decorations
  - Depictions of Jataka tales, life of Buddha, and symbolic motifs like the lotus, Bodhi tree, and dharmachakra
  - Aesthetic transition from aniconic to iconic Buddhist art
  - Influence of Greco-Roman artistic elements
- Stupa and Mahachaitya made with marble and limestone
- Ruins of an Ashokan Pillar discovered, likely the earliest example of Mauryan art in South India
- Several sculptural pieces now preserved in the Chennai Government Museum and British Museum
Royal Patronage:
- Supported by the Satavahanas, especially Gautamiputra Satakarni
- Further developed under the Ikshvaku rulers
- Inscriptions record:
  - Land grants
  - Patronage to monastic establishments
  - Religious endowments to Buddhist institutions
Religious Pluralism:
- Apart from Buddhist structures, the region is also famous for:
  - The Amareswara temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, reflecting Shaivite presence
Cultural and International Influence:
- Amaravati was a key hub in the spread of Mahayana Buddhism
- Actively contributed to Buddhist art and iconography in Southeast Asia
- Its prominence was aided by its location along maritime trade routes
Significance:
- A vital site for understanding:
  - Early Buddhist architecture and sculpture
  - Satavahana and Ikshvaku political-religious dynamics
  - Trans-regional art styles
- Represents a convergence of religion, art, and imperial patronage in early South India

Sirpur

In Mahasamund district, Chattisgarh.
Hindu, Buddhist (Vaishnavism, Shaivism) and Jain monuments.
It was considered as the ancient capital of South Koshal and was called at Shreepur.
Hindu monuments:
- Shiva, Vaishnava
- Lakshmana temple:
  - Brick temple.
  - Most well preserved.
  - Built by Vasata in 7th century AD.
  - Dedicated to Lord Vishnu,
  - The plan of the temple consists of a garbagriha, antarala and a mandapa.
- Other Hindu monuments include Rama temple, Gandheshwar temple etc.
Buddhist monuments:
- Viharas,
- Buddha, Pdmapani, Avlokiteshwara statues etc.
- Some syncretic finds of Hindi and Buddhist.
Jain monuments:
- Ruins of Jain basadi and monastery found.
- Bronze image of Adinatha (first Tirthankara).

Lalitgiri/ Ratnagiri/ Udayagiri

In Cuttack district, Odisha.
Lalitgiri is a Buddhist complex comprising stupas and viharas and together with Ratnagiri and Udayagiri, part of Puspagiri University.
The remains of a huge stupa, and relic caskets discovered.
Some relics bear resemblance to Gandhara School of Art.
From excavation it is derived that this place was continuously occupied from post Mauryan period to 13th century A.D.
Finds:
- The Ashokan Brahmi script,
- pieces of pottery,
- inscriptions from the Kushana period.

Sarnath

Located near Varanasi, U.P at the confluence of Ganga and Gomati rivers.
In deer park of Sarnath, Buddha first taught the Dharma (Dhammachakkappavattana Sutta) after attaining enlightenment
er Park, Sarnath, Buddha gave his firstsermon, where he gave four Noble Truths and teaching associated with it.
One of four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, the other three being Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Lumbini.
Also the birthplace the eleventh Tirthankara of Jainism, and a temple dedicated to him.
Chinese pilgrim Xuan Zang visited and found monasteries and monks studying the Hinayana and mentions stupa built by Ashoka.
Center for the arts, which reached its zenith during the Gupta period (Sarnath school).
Rich in Buddhist antiquities.
Dhamek Stupa:
- a solid cylinder of bricks and stone.
- wall covered with carved figures of humans and birds and inscriptions in the Brahmi script.
- An Ashoka pillar with an edict and lion capital, which became Emblem of India, stands near the Stupa.
Beautiful sculptures found:
- A colossal image of a Bodhisattava,
- a number of images of Buddha and Buddhist deities,
- Images of Hindu gods as Shiva and Brahma,
- Lion capital on Ashokan pillar (official Emblem of India)
  - carved out of a single block of polished sandstone
  - mounted on an abacus with a frieze carrying sculptures in high relief of an elephant, a horse, a bull, and a lion, separated by intervening spoked chariot-wheels.
  - The wheel on the capital is the model for the one in the flag of India.
On pillar, an inscription of one of the Edicts of Ashoka reads, “No one shall cause division in the order of monks”.

Kushinagar

In Deoria district, Uttar Pradesh.
Capital of the Mallas Mahajanapadas in 6th century B.C.
Identified with Kasia on smaller Gandak, east of Gorakhpur.
Buddhist Pilgrim place because Buddha passed away here in 483 BC.
Ashoka has visited and built a stupa.
Chinese pilgrim Hieun Tsang visited seventh century A.D.
Artifacts and structures related to all sects of Buddhism found.

Kapilvastu

In Kapilvastu ditrict, Nepal (25 km northwest of Lumbini).
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Capital of the Shakya kingdom.
King Suddhodana and Queen Mayadevi of Shakya kingdom gave birth to Gautam Buddha.
Chinese pilgrims Faxian and Xuanzang made pilgrimages to the site .
Ancient trade centre.

Sravasti

Location:
- Situated in Uttar Pradesh, near the Rapti River
- Was the capital of the Mahajanapada of Kosala during the 6th century BCE
Prominence in Buddhism:
- One of the most important sites in Buddhism
- Gautama Buddha spent the largest portion of his monastic life here after enlightenment
- Referred to in Pali Canon as a significant site of Buddhist activity
- Known as the place of “Twin Miracles”, where Buddha demonstrated his supernatural abilities
Jetavana Monastery:
- Built through a donation by Anathapindada, a wealthy merchant
- One of Buddha’s main retreats and centers for Buddhist teaching and monastic life
Architectural and Excavation Features:
- Excavations have revealed:
  - Ancient stupas
  - Monastic cells
  - Religious structures
- Evidence of urban planning and religious architecture
Historical Inscriptions and Artefacts:
- A Bodhisattva statue discovered by John Marshall and Daya Ram Sahni in 1910
  - Lines 1–3: Brahmi script from the 1st century CE
  - Line 4: Later addition in a Nagari variant, likely 9th century CE
Cultural and Religious Syncretism:
- Important to Jainism as well
  - Known as Chandrapuri in Jain texts
  - Shobhanath Temple is believed to be the birthplace of Jain Tirthankara Sambhavnath
- Showcases religious diversity and tolerance
Later Historical Context:
- Was a major ancient trade center
- During Hiuen Tsang’s visit in the 7th century CE, Sravasti was found to be in ruins

Vikramashila

Situated in the modern district of Bhagalpur in Bihar.
It became a prominent centre for production of silk and silk products in ancient India.
It was located in the Mahajanapada of Anga in eastern India.
It emerged to be a prominent Buddhist site under the patronage of Pala rulers in Early Medieval Phase.
The Pala ruler Dharmapala established the Vikarmashila University for Buddhist learning at this site.

Rajgir

Nalanda, Bihar.
The first capital of Magadha.
Pottery– NBPW with black and grey wares.
Vishwa Shanti Stupa is a large white Peace Pagoda, is situated .
Statues of the Buddha are mounted on the stupa in four directions.
Place of subduing of Nalagiri, the angry elephant.

Lumbini

In Rupandehi district, Nepal.
Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Gautama Buddha in 623 BCE.
Ashoka visited and erected a pillar in commemoration of Buddhas’s birth called Rummindei pillar with an inscription in which he ordered the reduction of tax to one-eighth of the produce.
Buddhist pilgrimage site, also a World Heritage status by UNESCO.
Chinese pilgrims Faxian and Xuanzang visited in fifth and seventh century respectively.

Nalanda

In Nalanda district, Bihar.
Taranatha, the 17 century Tibetan Lama, states that the 3 century BCE Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka, built a great temple at Nalanda.
Mahavihara (University):
- Flourished during Gupta, Harsha and Pala times.
- A seal identifies Sakraditya (Kumargupta of 5 century) as founder.
- 7 century Chinese Pilgrims like Hieun Tsang and I-tsing studied here.
  - I-tsing notes that revenues from 200 villages (as opposed to 100 in Hieun Tsang’s time) assigned toward the maintenance of Nalanda.
- Library called Dharmaganja.
- Teaching of religious (mainly Mahayana) and other subjects like grammar, logic, literature, astrology, astronomy, and medicine.
- Influence of Vajrayana during Palas.
Destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1200 CE.

Kesariya

In east Champaran, Bihar.
Ancient name is Kesaputta.
Alara Kalama the Buddha’s teacher lived here.
According to jataka story, Buddha ruled this place in his previous birth.
Also Buddha gave his important Sutta called Kalama Sutta at this place.
A grand Stupa was built to honour the Buddha’s presence, as described by Hieun Tsang.

Bodhgaya

In Gaya district, Bihar, on the bank of river Niranjana.
Where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree
It is the most sacred of the four holy sites of Buddhism.
Mahabodhi Temple Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mentioned by the Chinese traveller Faxian and Hiuen Tsang.
King Meghavarman of Sri Lanka sent, with the permission of Samudra Gupta, a monk to establish at Bodh Gaya a monastery and piece of Bodhi tree for the use of Sri Lankan monks.
Vishnupad temple in Gaya.

Mahasthanagarh

In Bogra District, Bangladesh.
Also called Pundranagar, the capital city of ancient Pundra kingdom.
Provincial capital of the Mauryans, the Guptas, the Palas.
Artefacts:
- Silver punch marked coins,
- copper cast coins,
- Gupta period coins,
- shards,
- terracotta plaques etc.
- Buddha stone sculpture,
- Buddha bronze sculpture
- Lokesvara stone sculpture – blending of Vishnu and Avalokitsvara,
- sand stone door-frames,
- pillars and lintels.

Taxila

In Rawalpindi district, Pakistan.
Ancient political, commercial and cultural centre.
Commercial centre:
- At junction of 3 major trade routes: West Asia, northern India and Central Asia.
- Centre of artisanal production.
Centre of education:
- Amongst the earliest universities.
- Many do not consider it a university as:
  - teachers did not have official membership of particular colleges, and
  - there was no purpose-built lecture halls and residential quarters, like Nalanda University.
- Charaka, Chanakya, Jivaka, Panini etc are related to Taxila University.
Political centre:
- Capital of Gandhara satrapy, under Achaemenian.
- Alexander received submission of ruler of Taxila, Ambhi.
- Taxila became a provincial capital of Mauryas.
- Capital of Indo-Parthian Kingdom, and one of the capitals of Kushanas.
The Chinese pilgrims Fa Hian (5 century) and Hieun Tsang (7 century) visited Taxila. In ruin during Huen Tsang.

Bamyan

Location:
- Situated in the Bamiyan Valley, central Afghanistan
- Lies on the ancient Silk Road, connecting India, China, and Central Asia
- Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Historical Significance:
- A prominent Buddhist cultural and religious centre from the 2nd century CE
- Flourished during the Kushan Empire
- Served as a halting place for travellers and pilgrims along the Silk Route
- Visited by Chinese pilgrims Faxian and Xuanzang, who described its grandeur
Monumental Buddha Statues:
- Known for two colossal rock-cut Buddha statues carved into the cliff face:
  - The larger Buddha stood at 55 meters (175 feet)
  - The smaller Buddha was 38 meters (120 feet) high
- Carved in the 6th century CE
- Exemplified Gandhara art, blending Indian, Hellenistic, and Persian elements
- Both statues were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001
- Ongoing efforts for restoration and preservation
Architectural and Monastic Features:
- Surrounding cliffs house hundreds of rock-cut caves, used as:
  - Monastic cells
  - Chapels and shrines
  - Living quarters for Buddhist monks
- Layout includes sophisticated monastic complexes
Artistic Heritage:
- Caves decorated with murals and sculptures from the 6th to 8th centuries CE
- Notable for early use of oil-based paints (7th-century murals)
- Themes include Buddhist iconography, floral patterns, and divine figures
Archaeological Findings:
- Excavations revealed:
  - Sculpture fragments
  - Wall paintings
  - Inscriptions
- Offer significant insights into the spread and evolution of Buddhism in Central Asia
Cultural and Global Importance:
- Symbolizes the fusion of multiple artistic traditions across regions
- Represents the reach of Mahayana Buddhism into Afghanistan
- Destruction of the statues raised global awareness of cultural heritage preservation
Significance:
- Bamiyan is a unique confluence of:
  - Religious devotion
  - Artistic innovation
  - Intercultural exchanges on the Silk Road
- Remains a powerful symbol of lost heritage and resilience of shared human culture

Anuradhapura

In Anuradhapura District, North Central province, Sri Lanka.
Sacred city for Buddhism
ancient capital of Sri Lanka.
This city was established around a cutting from the ‘tree of enlightenment’, the Buddha’s fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns.
According to Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa,
- Ashoka had sent his son Mahinda, to Srilanka.
- He met king Devanampiya Tissa and preached the doctrine.
- In later period, the royal family and nobility of Sri Lanka strongly supported Buddhism.
Art works featuring depictions of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Mercy and Compassion, became popular.
Ancient monuments like Buddhist temples, stupas etc. found.

Sigiriya

In Matale District, central province, Sri Lanka.
Name derived from structure —Sihagiri, the Lion Rock.
According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavamsa, Kashyapa (5th century AD) moved his capital from the traditional capital of Anuradhapura to Sigiriya.
Palaces and fortress complex found here.
The capital and the royal palace were later abandoned.
Rock shelters and caves of Buddhist monks and ascetics from as early as the 3rd century BCE.

Sanghol

Location:
- Situated in Fatehgarh Sahib district, Punjab
- Located near the foothills of the Shivalik range
Monastic and Stupa Complex:
- A major Buddhist site from the 1st century BCE to 4th century CE
- Consists of a large stupa, monastic cells, and votive stupas
- A 1st-century stupa enshrined the bone relics of a Buddhist teacher
- Votive stupas were built around the main stupa to secure relics
Kushan Period Significance:
- Most relics and sculptures date to the Kushan era, particularly under Kanishka
- Indicates imperial patronage and a role in the Buddhist missionary network
- Kushan rulers built stupas for monks
Artistic and Archaeological Features:
- Known for Mathura School sculptures in red sandstone
  - Includes toranas, pillars, vedikas, capitals, and seated Buddha statues
  - Reflects fusion of Gandhara and Mathura styles
- Over 100 sculptural fragments discovered
- Artefacts found:
  - Pottery, toys, bangles, beads, seals, coins
  - Materials: terracotta, ivory, metal
- Inscriptions in Brahmi and Kharoshti scripts on some items
- Coins engraved with images of Shiva, Lakshmi, Nandi, and kings
- A notable find: “The Head of Buddha” sculpture recovered from the stupa
Religious and Cultural Role:
- Likely served as a transit centre for monks and traders moving between Mathura and Taxila
- Strengthened the northwestern Buddhist corridor
- Mentioned in the writings of Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveller

Devni Mori

In Sabarkantha District, Gujarat.
A Buddhist archaeological site
Dating back to 3rd century AD, the site had
A monastery and a stupa.
Artefacts:
- A 1700 years old casket with bodily relics of Buddha.
- A terracotta head of Buddha.
Location on trade routes.
The Gujarat government will install a 108-meter tall Buddha statue at Devni Mori (second tallest Budhha statue after the Spring Temple in China and the tallest of a sitting Buddha).

Guntupalli Caves

In West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.
A Group of Buddhist Monuments.
The rock-cut part of the site has two Buddhist caves, a chaitya hall and a group of stupas.

Pandavleni Caves or Nasik Caves

In Nashik district, Maharashtra.
Buddhist cave site
- 24 caves carved mainly between the 1st century BCE and the 3nd century CE.
- Has Chaityas and Viharas.
- Carved and donated by various kings mainly- the Satavahanas.
- Images of Buddha, Bodhisattva, sculptures representing the King, farmers, merchants.
- Some caves connected by stone-cut ladders to the other caves.
- An excellent ancient water management system and water tanks.

Kanaganahalli

On left bank of Bhima river in Gulbarga district, Karnataka.
Period- First century BCE to third century CE.
An important Buddhist site as remains of massive stupa, many brick structures in form of chaitya were found.
The site also has a broken relief structure of a King and a Queen with an inscription reading ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka).
Also 60 lead coins bearing name of Satvahana kings and donative label inscription found.

Sankissa

In Farrukhabad district, Uttar Pradesh.
It is believed that after teaching Abhidhamma to his mother, in Tushita Heaven, Buddha descended to earth on this place.
Ancient city which came into prominence at the time of Gautama Buddha.
Ashoka installed a Pillar, from which the elephant capital survives.
Ruins of old monasteries and Buddhist monuments.
Chinese pilgrims, Xuanzang and Faxian visited.
Excavations have yielded antiquities of PGW and NBPW phase, punch marked coins, etc.

Vadnagar

Location:
- Situated in Mehsana district, Gujarat
- Located near the Kapila River, on the western edge of the Aravalli hills
Buddhist Monastic Complex:
- Excavations have revealed:
  - A brick-built elliptical stupa
  - Prayer halls
  - Monastic cells
- The structures are dated to the 2nd century BCE to 4th century CE
Artistic and Archaeological Finds:
- Terracotta Buddha images
- Stucco heads showing early iconographic development
- A copper plate inscription attesting to early devotional and institutional Buddhist presence
Cultural and Religious Significance:
- Highlights the spread of Buddhism into western India
- Reflects integration of trade routes with religious dissemination
- Shows continued Buddhist activity through the post-Mauryan to Gupta periods