Bihar’s Kesaria Buddha stupa waterlogged

What is the News? 

Kesaria Buddha stupa in east Champaran district of Bihar is waterlogged following floods in some parts of the districts. 

About Kesaria Buddha Stupa: 

• Kesariya Stupa is a Buddhist stupa in Kesariya located at a distance of 110 kilometres from Patna, Bihar. 
• It is regarded as the tallest and the largest Buddhist stupa in the world. 

Origin of Kesariya Stupa: 

• The original Kesariya stupa probably dates to the time of Ashoka (circa 250 BCE) as the remains of a capital of a Pillar of Ashoka were discovered there. 
• The current stupa dates to the Gupta Dynasty between 200 AD and 750 AD and may have been associated with the 4th century ruler Raja Chakravarti.  
• The local people call Kesariya stupa as  “Devala”, meaning “house of god”. 

Discovered by: 

• The Stupas exploration had started in the early 19th century after its discovery led by Colonel Mackenzie in 1814.  
• Later, it was excavated by General Cunningham in 1861-62 and in 1998 an ASI team led by archaeologist K.K. Muhammad had excavated the site properly. 

Significance: 

• Two great foreign travelers, Faxian (Fahien) and Xuan Zang (Hsuan Tsang) had visited this place in ancient times and have left interesting and informative accounts of their travels.  
• The discovery of gold coins bearing the seal of the famous emperor Kanishka of the Kushan dynasty goes on to further establish the ancient heritage of Kesaria. 
• Archeological Survey of India(ASI) has declared Kesariya Stupa as a protected monument of national importance.