Bazilla Jan
Baramulla, Dec 1
In a landmark discovery that could reshape the archaeological and cultural history of the Himalayan region, archaeologists have unearthed extensive architectural remains of a major Buddhist complex at Zehanpora in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
The excavation—jointly carried out by the Centre of Central Asian Studies (CCAS), University of Kashmir, and the J&K Department of Archives, Archaeology & Museums (DAAM)—is being described by experts as one of the most significant early-historic Buddhist findings in recent decades.
Project Director Dr Mohammad Ajmal Shah, who leads the CCAS team, said the discoveries will “contribute significantly to the archaeological map of the region.” The project is also notable for being the first major collaborative archaeological mission in J&K undertaken with formal permission under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) regulations.
Breakthrough After Years of Surveys
The excavation was launched after a series of detailed preliminary surveys involving drone imagery, mapping, and ground truth verification. These studies had identified multiple large mounds around Zehanpora—long speculated to be the remains of ancient stupas and monastic structures.
A turning point came in 2023 when Dr Shah discovered an old photograph in a French museum archive depicting three stupas in Baramulla. The visual evidence provided a crucial historical link between the region and Kashmir’s Buddhist past, strengthening the case for a full-scale excavation.
Major Architectural Remains Detected
During the ongoing fieldwork, archaeologists have started exposing structural foundations and architectural alignments suggesting a large Buddhist establishment—possibly a monastic complex with associated stupas. Experts believe the findings could date back to early-historic or even pre-Kushan phases, opening new pathways for understanding the spread of Buddhism across Kashmir.
Officials involved in the project said the work is progressing systematically, with each phase revealing fresh layers of the region’s ancient cultural trajectory.
A Site Poised to Reframe Kashmir’s Past
Researchers say the Zehanpora discovery could become one of the most important Buddhist archaeological sites in the Himalayan belt, alongside renowned locations in Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Himachal Pradesh.
They believe the findings may also help fill long-standing gaps in the historical narrative of Kashmir—an ancient centre of Buddhist learning referenced in classical texts but poorly represented in surviving archaeology.
With excavation work continuing, the site is already drawing attention from historians, cultural scholars, and international researchers.
Authorities said further updates will be shared as the project advances into deeper strata, where more detailed architectural components and artefacts are expected to emerge.
