Three times bigger than Sanchi: Madhya Pradesh plans excavation in Ujjain to uncover a 2,200-year old stupa that was built by Ashoka

Madhya Pradesh is preparing to resume archaeological exploration at Vaishya Tekri in Ujjain, where a massive Buddhist stupa dating to the Mauryan period has remained largely unexplored since excavation work was halted in 1939, as per a TOI report. The state government is working with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to examine the site again.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is pushing the project forward, while the state administration is coordinating with archaeological authorities on a possible fresh excavation.

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Stupa described as larger than Sanchi

A British-era archaeological report estimated the stupa at about 350 feet in diameter and at least 100 feet high, making it substantially larger than the famous Sanchi stupa, which measures about 120 feet across and 54 feet in height.

The report dated the structure to the Mauryan period, around the 3rd century BCE, putting its age at roughly 2,200 years. Vaishya Tekri is located about 236 km west of Sanchi.

The site was described as a large circular mound surrounded by a rectangular depression. Partial excavation exposed the main stupa along with the remains of two smaller stupas. The report called its construction a “peculiar construction not met with anywhere else.”

Excavation stopped after gas leak

The original excavation took place in 1938-39. Work was suspended after a gas leak reportedly left labourers unconscious.

The archaeological report described the monument as “perhaps the biggest known” Buddhist stupa at the time.

Excavators found that the stupa's core had been constructed using compacted local murum, while large bricks set in mud mortar formed the outer facing. Bowl-shaped masonry at the base appeared to have been used to resist outward pressure.

Much of the brick facing had disappeared, while the upper portion was believed to have been washed away. As a result, the monument's original layout and elevation could not be established.

Experts examine possible Ashoka connection

The report did not conclusively establish a connection between the stupa and Emperor Ashoka, although it left open the possibility that the monument could be among the stupas attributed to him.

ASI superintending archaeologist Shivakant Bajpai said some historical records associate the site with Ashoka's period.

Bajpai said it is believed that Ashoka constructed a stupa at the location while serving as governor of Ujjain, inspired by his wife Devi, who was the daughter of a Nagarshreshthi from Vidisha. According to this account, the Buddhist site became known as Vaisya Tekri because of its association with a Vaishya's daughter.

The site has also been associated with Kanakgiri Vihara mentioned in ancient Buddhist literature and has been linked as a possible location of a large stupa described by Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang. Neither connection has been established conclusively.

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Administration backs renewed exploration

Ujjain divisional commissioner Asheesh Singh said the administration was coordinating with the state and central archaeological departments and would extend necessary support, including assistance with land acquisition.

Bajpai said the size of the mound indicates the scale of the monument, but only a systematic excavation can determine its original design.

The excavation was stopped in 1939. Nearly nine decades later, authorities are now preparing to explore whether Vaishya Tekri can reveal more about the ancient Buddhist structure buried beneath the mound.