2,000-Year-Old Buddhist Site Discovered in Baramulla, J&K

A major archaeological discovery in Jammu and Kashmir has brought the region’s long-overlooked Buddhist heritage into national focus. Excavations at Zehanpora village in Baramulla district have revealed a 2,000-year-old Buddhist site.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the discovery as a “proud moment”, reflecting Kashmir’s deep cultural and civilisational roots.

Also Read

2,000-Year-Old Buddhist Site Discovered in Baramulla, J&K

Discovery Through Excavation and Surveys

The Buddhist remains were uncovered through systematic excavation and archaeological surveys of what appeared to be ordinary mounds in Zehanpora.

Key findings include:

Stupas
Monastic buildings
Structural remains from the Kushan period

Drone surveys confirmed that the mounds were man-made, not natural formations, establishing evidence of organised Buddhist activity in the Kashmir Valley nearly two millennia ago.

Links to Kushan-Era Kashmir

Archaeologists believe Zehanpora may have served as an important Buddhist centre connected to the ancient Kushan capital Huvishkapura.

Notable features:

Stupa foundations and monastic cells
Strong resemblance to Gandharan architectural layouts
Indicates cultural and religious links between Kashmir and north-western Buddhist regions

This places Kashmir firmly within the broader Buddhist world of the Kushan era.

Role of Trade and Pilgrimage Routes

Zehanpora lies along an ancient trade and pilgrimage corridor linking Gandhara with Kashmir.

Experts note that this route:

Enabled movement of monks, traders, and scholars
Facilitated exchange of religious ideas and culture
Reinforced Kashmir’s role as a cultural crossroads of ancient South Asia

The excavation was jointly conducted by the Department of Archives Archaeology and Museums Jammu and Kashmir and the University of Kashmir.

Historical and Cultural Significance

In his radio programme Man Ki Baat, Prime Minister Modi revealed that rare photographs of stupas preserved in a French museum helped researchers connect historical clues leading to the rediscovery.

Officials emphasised that the site:

Reveals a layered history of Kashmir
Reinforces Kashmir’s identity as a confluence of civilisations
May reshape prevailing narratives about the valley’s ancient past

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

Site dates back nearly 2,000 years
Located in Zehanpora, Baramulla district
Belongs to the Kushan period
Features stupas and monastic cells
Shows Gandharan architectural influence
Kashmir lay on ancient trade routes linking Central Asia and India

Question & Answer

Q1. The recently discovered 2,000-year-old Buddhist site in Jammu and Kashmir is located in which village?
(a) Pampore
(b) Zehanpora
(c) Bijbehara
(d) Awantipora
Answer: Zehanpora

Q2. The Buddhist remains found at Zehanpora are associated with which historical period?
(a) Mauryan period
(b) Gupta period
(c) Kushan period
(d) Harsha period
Answer: Kushan period

Q3. Which architectural tradition influenced the Buddhist structures discovered in Baramulla?
(a) Nagara
(b) Dravidian
(c) Gandharan
(d) Vesara
Answer: Gandharan

Q4. The discovery was jointly conducted by the J&K archaeology department and which institution?
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru University
(b) Banaras Hindu University
(c) University of Kashmir
(d) Aligarh Muslim University
Answer: University of Kashmir

Q5. Which dynasty is known for patronising Buddhism in north-western India?
(a) Satavahana
(b) Gupta
(c) Kushan
(d) Chola
Answer: Kushan

🔗 Other Useful Links:
📌 Latest Government Job Vacancies
📌 Latest Exam Results
📌 Free Mock Tests