Unique archaeological site of Sirpur in Chhattisgarh, showcasing rare synthesis of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu cultures in the medieval period, has been included in the World Heritage Tentative List of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The ancient city of Sirpur, situated on the banks of Mahanadi River in Mahasamund district has moved one step closer to securing World Heritage status after being included in the tentative list under the name “Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape”.
This is a rare archaeological site where evidence of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu cultures flourishing at the same time in the medieval period has been established, a spokesman of the Chhattisgarh government said.
The site was discovered in the 1950s.
The archaeological site has Buddhist monasteries, Jain shrines and several ancient Hindu temples including the unique Laxman temple made of only bricks.
Over 2,000 artifacts of archaeological significance have been recovered at the site.
The renowned Chinese traveler Xuanzang had visited the region in the seventh century.
His travel accounts refer to the flourishing Buddhist tradition in the region.
Important evidence of Sirpur’s antiquity has been found in copper-plate inscriptions of Sharabhpuriya rulers Prvararaja and Mahasudevaraja.
One of Sirpur’s most distinctive features is the coexistence of Shavite, Vaishnavite, Buddhist and Jain religious traditions. Although the then ruler of the region himself followed Shaivism, he also patronized development of Buddhist monasteries, which reflected Sirpur’s importance as a significant Centre of religious tolerance and cultural synthesis in ancient India, state tourism minister Rajesh Agrawal said.
Sirpur was an important Centre of Mahayana Buddhism in ancient India.
Archaeological excavations have revealed the remains of numerous Buddhist monasteries, which had well-organized arrangements for meditation, study, teaching and the accommodation of monks.
The artefacts recovered from the archaeological site include metal structures, sculptural panels, tools used in jewelry-making, iron vessels, locks, chains, lamps, ritual vessels, earthen pots, glass bangles, terracotta seals and toys and ancient coins.
The recovery of artefacts indicates that Sirpur was a major hub of Indian traditional craftsmanship in the medieval period.
Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the development saying that it will help the site get global recognition and develop it as an international tourist destination.
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