Archive · 30 Dec 2025
Ancient Buddhist Stupas Discovered in Kashmir
In a village in Kashmir, India, archaeologists found old mounds that turned out to be Buddhist stupas, which are like ancient religious monuments.
These stupas are almost 2,000 years old and were part of a bigger complex where Buddhist monks lived and studied.
The discovery was made with the help of drones and old photos from a museum in France.
This shows that Kashmir was an important place for Buddhism a long time ago, connecting it to other parts of Asia.
The researchers also found old pottery and other artifacts that belong to the Kushan era, which was a time when Buddhism spread widely.
This discovery helps us understand more about Kashmir's history and its role in the spread of Buddhist culture.
Ancient Buddhist stupas discovered in Zehanpora, Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir, dating back nearly 2,000 years.
Discovery made using drone surveys, aerial photography, and mapping, with crucial evidence from old photographs in a French museum.
Archaeologists found an urban settlement complex, Kushan-era pottery shards, copper artifacts, and stone walls, indicating Buddhist learning and monastic activities.
The discovery places Kashmir within the Gandhara Buddhist network, linking it to South Asia and Central Asia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the discovery in his Mann Ki Baat address, highlighting its significance.
- Who
- Archaeologists from Srinagar and Delhi, with support from French museum photographs
- What
- Discovery of ancient Buddhist stupas and related artifacts in Kashmir
- When
- Structures date back nearly 2,000 years; discovery confirmed recently
- Where
- Zehanpora village, Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir
- Why
- To understand the historical and cultural significance of the region, particularly its role in the spread of Buddhism
- Location
- Zehanpora, Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir
- Age
- Nearly 2,000 years old
- Discovery Method
- Drone surveys, aerial photography, and mapping
- Key Artifacts
- Buddhist stupas, Kushan-era pottery shards, copper artifacts, stone walls
- Significance
- Evidence of Buddhist learning and monastic activities in Kashmir
- Historical Period
- Kushan era (1st to 3rd centuries CE)
- Cultural Link
- Gandhara Buddhist network, connecting South Asia with Central Asia