“The recent excavation proves the existence of chronological human habitation there dating back earlier than the 5th century B.C.,” said Ram Bahadur Kuwar, DoA under-secretary. He added that the archeological remnants, categorized on the basis of typological dating, are older than 2,400 years. [break]
More than 50 artifacts including clay statuettes, semi-precious stones, potteries, stone beads, glazed ware, terracotta human figurines and beads, and northern black polish and painted grey ware that were used in the Kushan, Sunga and Mauryan periods were recovered from three different trenches at Panditpur, according to Kuwar.
He added that the archeological finds are very similar to the antiquities excavated at Lumbini and Kapilvastu.
“The main purpose of the excavation was to trace out chronological human habitat at Panditpur and we have successfully done that,” Kuwar told Republica.
A team of 20 from DoA had conducted a 14-day vertical excavation down to three meters at Panditpur, which was completed a week ago.
According to DoA officials, Panditpur had already been excavated some seven years ago. “The recent excavation has proved that contemporary human habitat existed at Lumbini,” said Kuwar, adding, “We are yet to find other concrete proof but there are chances of finding more evidence showing Panditpur to be the city center of Devdaha.”
Officials of the department have been conducting research to establish that the ancient capital of the kingdom of Devdaha was at Panditpur, Nawalparasi. Devdaha, the birthplace of Mayadevi, is some 35 kilometers east of Lumbini and is in the process of being listed as a World Heritage Site.
“We will prepare a report on the recent excavations and conduct a detailed cultural study next year,” Kuwar told Republica.
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