Buddhist Site Unearthed in Kashmir’s Zehanpora

A major archaeological discovery in Jammu and Kashmir has brought the region’s long-overlooked Buddhist heritage into sharp focus. Excavations at Zehanpora village in Baramulla district have revealed a 2,000-year-old Buddhist site, prompting Prime Minister “Narendra Modi” to describe the find as a “proud moment” that reflects Kashmir’s deep cultural and civilisational roots.

Discovery Through Excavation and Surveys

The Buddhist remains were uncovered after systematic excavation and archaeological surveys of seemingly ordinary mounds in “Zehanpora”. Drone surveys confirmed that the mounds were man-made rather than natural formations. The site has yielded stupas, monastic buildings, and structural remains dating back to the Kushan period, offering tangible evidence of organised Buddhist activity in the valley nearly two millennia ago.

Links to Kushan-Era Kashmir

Archaeologists believe Zehanpora may have functioned as an important Buddhist centre with links to the elusive Kushan capital, Huvishkapura. The architectural features of stupa foundations and monastic cells show close resemblance to Gandharan layouts, indicating strong cultural and religious connections between Kashmir and the wider north-western Buddhist world during the Kushan era.

Role of Trade and Pilgrimage Routes

The village is located along an ancient trade and pilgrimage corridor connecting Gandhara with Kashmir. Experts note that this strategic location would have facilitated the movement of monks, traders, and ideas, reinforcing Kashmir’s role as a cultural crossroads in ancient South Asia. The excavation was jointly conducted by the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Jammu and Kashmir, and “University of Kashmir”.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Kushan dynasty patronised Buddhism in north-western India.
• Gandharan architecture influenced early Buddhist structures.
• Kashmir lay on ancient trade routes linking Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
• Stupas and monastic cells indicate organised Buddhist monastic life.

Historical and Cultural Significance

In his radio programme “Man Ki Baat”, Prime Minister Modi noted that rare photographs of stupas preserved in a French museum helped researchers connect historical clues leading to the rediscovery. Officials stated that the site reveals a layered history of Kashmir and reinforces its identity as a confluence of civilisations, potentially reshaping prevailing narratives about the valley’s ancient past.