Kesaria Buddha Stupa

Context

• The world-famous Kesaria Buddha stupa in east Champaran district of Bihar is waterlogged following floods in some parts of the district.

About

• The original Kesariya stupa 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.
• The local people call this stupa "Devala", meaning "house of god".
• Gold coins bearing the seal of the famous emperor Kanishka of the Kushan dynasty (AD 30 to AD 375) were discovered from here.
• The stupa’s exploration had started in the early 19th century after its discovery led by Colonel Mackenzie in 1814.
• Foreign travelers, Faxian (Fahien) and Xuan Zang (Hsuan Tsang), had visited this place.
• The ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) has declared it a protected monument of national importance.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/kesaria-buddha-stupa-waterlogged-in-bihars-east-champaran-district/article35262011.ece