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The ASI has resumed excavations at Kumhrar Park in Patna, uncovering the ’80-pillared hall’ of the Maurya emperors. This site, buried for centuries, will soon be opened to the public, allowing the current generation to explore the city’s rich history
This hall, once a venue for significant conferences in ancient times, was reburied in 2004 to ensure preservation, though one of its pillars remains on display at Kumhrar Park. (Local18)
Patna, Bihar’s capital today, was known as Pataliputra in ancient times, following earlier names such as Kusumpur and Pushppur. Situated at the confluence of the Ganges and Sone rivers, Pataliputra is a historic city that witnessed the rise and fall of some of India’s most powerful empires.
Udayin, the successor of Ajatashatru, established it as the capital of Magadha, and it became a central hub during the Maurya Empire.
To appreciate the rich heritage of Pataliputra, one can still see remnants of the Mauryan period at Kumhrar Park in present-day Patna. In a bid to shed further light on the Mauryan Empire, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has initiated the excavation of the “80-pillared hall”, a significant structure buried within Kumhrar Park. This project aims to bring today’s generation closer to the illustrious history of their city.
Dr Sujit Nayan, Superintendent Archaeologist of the ASI, told Local18 that much of the identity of Magadha and Pataliputra lies buried in Kumhrar Park. The site preserves the legacy of the Mauryan period. The first excavation at Kumhrar revealed a hospital attributed to Dhanvantari, the renowned physician of the Gupta era. An architectural marvel from Emperor Ashoka’s reign, known as the ‘Hall of 80 Pillars’, was discovered.
This hall, once a venue for significant conferences in ancient times, was reburied in 2004 to ensure preservation, though one of its pillars remains on display at Kumhrar Park. The ASI now plans to uncover the remaining pillars once again.
Significance Of The Hall
According to Dr Nayan, between 1912 and 1915, DB Spooner of the ASI first discovered the Mauryan hall during excavations at Kumhrar, with financial support from the late Ratan Tata. Further excavations by the KP Jaiswal Research Institute in Patna between 1951 and 1955 unearthed eight additional pillars of the hall, as well as four entrance pillars. Since then, it has been called the ‘80-pillared hall’.
The pillars were arranged in two rows: 10 pillars running east to west and eight running north to south, with the entrance positioned in the south. Spaced approximately 4.57 metres apart, these sandstone pillars featured the iconic Mauryan polish. Each pillar measured 9.75 metres in height, with 2.74 metres buried underground, supported by square wooden bases. The hall, a wall-less mandap, featured a wooden floor and ceiling, possibly overlaid with bricks and lime mortar. It stood near the Sone River.
Seven platforms, likely used for connecting a 13.11-metre-wide and 3.05-metre-deep canal from the Sone River to the hall’s entrance, were also discovered. These platforms facilitated the movement of travellers arriving by boat and enabled the transport of heavy Chunar sandstone via the Ganges. Scholars believe this hall hosted the Third Buddhist Council. However, it was destroyed during the Indo-Greek invasion in the second century BCE, with traces of ash found during excavations providing evidence of the fire.
According to Dr Sujit Nayan, until 2004, the site and its pillars were visible above ground and accessible to the public. However, due to development activities in the area and a rise in groundwater levels, the structure became submerged. Tragically, a child drowned while playing near the site.
Subsequently, a team of experts determined that prolonged submersion in water could damage the ancient pillars. Based on their findings and recommendations, the site was filled with soil and sand in 2005 to protect the structure. Since then, the 80-pillared hall has remained buried.
Why Is The Excavation Being Resumed Now?
Recently, Dr Sujit Nayan, Superintendent Archaeologist of the Patna Circle for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), assumed charge and expressed his belief that the heritage of Magadha should be accessible to the public. Over the past 20 years, the geographical conditions of the area have significantly changed. Dr Nayan feels that re-excavation would allow people to witness this vital part of their history.
A team of experts, led by ASI Director General Yadubir Singh Rawat, inspected the site and authorised the excavation. Under Dr Nayan’s supervision, a team of engineers has commenced the work. Currently, the uppermost layer has been removed. The next stage involves uncovering some of the pillars and conducting thorough assessments over the next year. If the results indicate that the site can be preserved and safely displayed, it will be reopened to the public.
Dr Nayan also noted the growing curiosity among locals. Many have expressed their eagerness to view their city’s historical treasures, stating that while gardens are plentiful, they want to connect with their heritage. With these sentiments in mind, efforts are being made to make the site accessible to the public within a year.
