• Patna circle of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered two 1200-year-old miniature votive stupas during landscaping activities near Sarai Tila mound within the premises of Nalanda Mahavihara, a world heritage site in Nalanda district in the state. 

• The stupas, carved from stone, depict Buddha figures. 

• These two votive stupas (offered in fulfilment of a vow) were discovered by the ASI officials during landscaping near Sarai Tila mound. 

• These, carved from stone depicting  Buddha figures,  must be around 1,200 years old. 

• Beginning in the 7th century CE in India, small miniature terracotta stupas became popular as votive offerings. 

• Devout pilgrims visiting various holy sites and temples throughout Asia would either purchase small votive offerings or make their own. 

• The Nalanda Mahavihara site comprises the archaeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. It includes stupas, shrines, viharas (residential and educational buildings) and important art works in stucco, stone and metal.

• Nalanda stands out as the most ancient university of the Indian Subcontinent. It engaged in the organised transmission of knowledge over an uninterrupted period of 800 years. The historical development of the site testifies to the development of Buddhism into a religion and the flourishing of monastic and educational traditions.

• The archaeological remains of Nalanda Mahavihara were systematically unearthed and preserved simultaneously. These are the most significant parts of the property that demonstrate development in planning, architecture and artistic tradition of Nalanda. 

• Meanwhile, the ASI-Patna Circle had recently submitted a proposal to its Delhi headquarters to conduct an excavation at ‘Nindaur’, for its probable connection with Nanda kings of Magadha, in Kaimur district, 220 km from the state capital Patna.

• The Nanda dynasty ruled Magadha in northern India between 343 and 321 BCE (Before Common Era) with its capital at Pataliputra (modern-day Patna).

• The geographical position of the site is very important. It is situated on an ancient route between Patliputra to Kashi via the Son river Sasaram-Bhabhua. It is the largest city settlement between ancient Magadha and Kashi mahajanapada. The site may have served as an administrative and trade centre.

Archaeological Survey of India

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was established in 1861. 

• It is an attached office of the ministry of culture. 

• The organisation is headed by director general. 

• ASI is engaged in protection, preservation and conservation of monuments of national importance, including World Heritage properties and site museums. 

• ASI administers Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 and, also the Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878.

• ASI has now 36 circles which are headed by Superintending Archaeologists, besides mini circles located in various states and Union Territories and six Regional Directorates (located at Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Guwahati and Bhopal) headed by Regional Director.

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