Excavation & Exploration

Report of Sarnath Excavation 2013-14

Excavation

Previous work

Purpose of Excavation 2013-14

  • The main objectives of the excavation work were to ascertain the cultural sequence of the site prior to MauryanPeriod if any.
  • To conduct horizontal excavation for to trace out the structural remains, antiquities, potteries and other archeological remains belonging to Buddha’s time or before it if any.

Excavation

TRENCH

SQUARE

LOCATION

A1

All the squares

Western side of the MulgandhaKuti Temple

A2

II, III, IV

Western side of the MulgandhaKuti Temple

C2

II

On the same location as above, near to the monolithic pillar

F9

II

On the south side of the Dharmarajika Stupa.
Square laid on the monolithic staircase.

G2

I, IV

Inside MulgandhaKuti Temple.

ZF2

II, IV

On the northern side of the MulgandhaKuti Temple.

ZF3

II, III

On the northern side of the MulgandhaKuti Temple.

ZG3

I, IV

On the northern side of the MulgandhaKuti Temple.

XA1

III

Western side of the Apsidal temple

XA2

I

Northern side of the Apsidal temple

F3

I, II

Inside Monolithic Railing, on the south gate of MulgandhaKuti Temple.

TOTAL:- 11  TRENCH

TOTAL:- 21 SQUARES

LOCATION:- SEVEN

Purpose of Excavation 2013-14

  • Period I: Pre Mauryan Period (4th Century B.C. to 3rd Century B.C.)
  • Period II: Mauryan Period (3rd Century B.C. to 2nd Century B.C.)
  • Period III: Sunga –Kushana Period (2nd Century B.C. to 4th Century A.D.)
  • Period IV: Gupta Period (4th Century A.D. to 6th Century A.D. )