Himalaya Harbinger, National Bureau.
Archaeological experts have commenced excavation in Nachne village, Madhya Pradesh, with the ambitious goal of uncovering India’s oldest temple. Led by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the dig focuses on two mounds strategically selected by experts. These mounds, situated just 30 meters away from two ancient temples—a Gupta-era Parvati temple and the Chaumukhi temple of the Kalachuri Dynasty—are believed to hold crucial historical significance.
Superintending archaeologist of the Jabalpur circle, Shiva Kant Bajpayee, expressed the expedition’s purpose, stating, “We are carrying out this excavation with the objective of finding the oldest temple in India.” Bajpayee emphasized the necessity of exploring beyond the Gupta era, citing the likelihood of temples predating this period. He affirmed, “There can be temples older than that.”
The excavation commenced on March 4, with an estimated duration of 3-4 months. Permission has been granted to excavate two mounds out of the eight archaeological sites identified in the area. Each mound spans approximately two meters in height, covering an area of 1000 sqm.
Bajpayee assured that if the desired results aren’t attained, exploration efforts would persist in the vicinity. Madhya Pradesh holds prominence in housing some of India’s earliest temples, including Temple No. 17 in Sanchi, the Nachne Parvati temple, Tigwa’s Vishnu Temple, and Bhumara’s Shiva Temple.
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