Archaeological evidence indicating the existence of a civilisation dating back 2,500 to 3,000 years has been uncovered in the Chouparan block of Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand. This significant discovery sheds new light on the region’s historical and cultural past, suggesting that it was once a thriving centre of human activity.
Dr. Abhishek Singh Amar, Head of Asian Studies in the Department of History at Hamilton College, New York, recently visited the site and described it as a location of immense archaeological importance. According to him, further extensive excavations in the area could potentially reveal deeper insights into ancient civilisations that once flourished here. His observations have heightened interest in the region, encouraging scholars and archaeologists to explore the site further.
Prior to Dr. Amar’s visit, multiple teams from the Ranchi and Patna zones of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had conducted surveys in the region. Their research focused on villages such as Daihar, Sohra, Mangarh, and Hathindar, where they collected significant samples of Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW). This distinct type of black-glazed pottery is associated with civilisations that existed between 300 to 100 BC, adding further credence to the idea that Chouparan was a historically significant settlement.
In light of these findings, a formal proposal has been submitted to the central office of ASI, requesting further excavation and research at the site. Experts believe that a deeper archaeological investigation could unlock valuable information about the people who inhabited this region in ancient times.
The Patna Zone ASI team, led by archaeologist M.G. Nicose, identified a massive mound located in Mangarh village as an ancient Buddhist stupa. This mound has been regarded as a sacred site by the local villagers for generations. Many continue to worship it, unaware of its potential historical significance.
Over the past seven decades, several ancient artifacts, including statues and stone slabs, have surfaced in the villages of Mangarh, Daihar, and Hathindar. These discoveries were often made during everyday activities such as pond digging, well construction, and agricultural work. However, due to a lack of awareness and preservation efforts, many of these invaluable relics have either been lost or stolen over time.
Among the significant discoveries is a large divine statue, which has been venerated by the locals as Mata Kamala. Additionally, several ancient statues of deities, including Gautam Buddha, the Buddhist goddess Tara, Marichi, Avalokiteshvara, Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, and Ganesha, have been unearthed in the region. The presence of such a diverse range of deities suggests that the area was a confluence of multiple religious traditions and cultural influences.
In Hathindar village, archaeologists have discovered an ancient Sati stone and a terracotta ring well, further supporting the theory that this region was home to an advanced civilisation with well-developed social and religious practices. The presence of a ring well suggests sophisticated water management techniques, hinting at a well-planned settlement structure.
Two years ago, Dr. Arpita Ranjan from ASI’s Delhi office examined stone slabs inscribed with ancient writings, adding another layer of intrigue to Chouparan’s historical importance. Since then, researchers from both India and abroad have visited the site, eager to study these artifacts and decipher the inscriptions. Experts believe that successfully translating these inscriptions could provide crucial insights into the life, culture, and administrative systems of this long-lost civilisation.
This discovery has sparked considerable interest among historians, archaeologists, and local authorities, prompting discussions about the need for systematic excavation, preservation, and documentation of these ancient relics. As more research unfolds, Chouparan may emerge as one of the most important archaeological sites in eastern India, offering a deeper understanding of early civilisations that once thrived in this region.
