Buddhist Stupa At Nalasopara PDF Print E-mail

Buddhist stupa at Nala Sopara ,Thane and Karad caves  (Maharashtra)



 

Location : Nala Sopara , distt. Thane
              : Karad , distt.    Satara                     
Situation : Burud Rajache Kot mound in Nirmal
               : Agaswa Hill near village Jakhinwadi
Under Protection : Archeological Survey of India
Period : 3rd century B.C
          : 2nd century B.C
   
Introduction
Nala Sopara
In ancient times, it was the largest township on India's west coast, trading with Mesopotamia, Egypt, Cochin, Arabia and Eastern Africa. Proof of Ashokan inscriptions have also been recovered from Sopara, Buddhist text gives details that is was a prominent Buddhist area. During excavation ruins of a Buddhist Stupa were found. From the center of the stupa (inside a brick built chamber) a large stone coffer was excavated which contained eight bronze images of Maitreya Buddha which belong to the 8th-9th century A.D. The coffer contained a relic caskets, numerous gold flowers and fragments of a begging bowl. A silver coin of Gautamiputra Satakarni was also found from the mound.

Karad caves
The first mention of Karad appears in an inscription by Karad pilgrims at the Bharhut Stupa near Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. The caves were first described by Sir Bartle Frere in 1849, and arranged into three series: the southern group of twenty-three caves, near the village of Jakhinvadi; nineteen eaves, in the south-east face of the northern spur; and twenty-two scattered caves facing the Koyna valley. Besides these sixty-three caves there are many small excavations.


Present situation
Nala Sopara stupa
1.    The remains of this stupa are lying in neglected condition
2.    The stupa is constantly eroding day by day. 
2.    Proper preservation and restoration work has not been done so far.
3.    Security measures are not effective at the site.

Karad caves
1.     The monuments caves are disgraced by illicit slogans written by casual visitors.
2.     No proper security system is available on the site. Generally locals enjoy drinks and party in these sacred caves.
3.    There is no check on trespasser.
 

Comments  

 
+3 #2 sumedh kosode 2011-10-19 11:12
Well it is very good news to me that in Mumbai area there are also the relics found of Stupa.But it is very sad that the peoples of buddhist families from Mumbai are not taking measures to preserve the Stupa.
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+1 #1 Althea Dsilva 2011-10-17 08:39
Pl could you give us the road map from Vasia to the actual spot in Nirmal.
Thank you,
Mrs.Dsilva.
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