Enigmatic Disappearance: The Vanished Palaces of Ashoka and Chandragupta Maurya
The ancient palaces of Ashoka and Chandragupta Maurya, prominent figures in Indian history and the Mauryan Empire, have not survived in a recognizable form for several compelling reasons. The combination of natural degradation, urban development, and a lack of thorough archaeological excavation has left very few traces of these once-grand structures.
Material Degradation and Natural Disasters
The palaces were primarily constructed from perishable materials like wood and mud, which are less durable than stone. Over time, these materials degrade and decay, leading to little to no visible remains. Additionally, the region has a history of seismic activity and natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, which could have contributed to the destruction of many ancient structures.
Urban Development and Cultural Practices
Many ancient sites have been built over by newer cities and developments. As populations grew and urban areas expanded, ancient ruins were often repurposed or destroyed to make way for new construction. In some cases, the local populations may have reused materials from ancient structures for new constructions, further obscuring any remnants of the original buildings.
Archaeological Discoveries and Inferences
Despite the challenges, some archaeological sites like Pataliputra (modern Patna) have revealed valuable remnants of the Mauryan period. The most significant archaeological finds include the ruins of the 80-pillared hall in Kumhrar, which is believed to be an integral part of the ancient city. The excavated remains date back to 600 BCE and include pillars made of fine sandstone quarried from Chunar.
Details on Archaeological Sites
Kumhrar: Here, archaeological remains of the Mauryan period (322-185 BCE) have been discovered, including the ruins of an 80-pillared hall. This hall, built around 250 BCE, is thought to be where the Third Buddhist Council was held under Emperor Ashoka's reign. Each pillar is 9.75 meters in height, with 2.74 meters embedded below the surface for grounding. The pillars are separated by a distance of 4.57 meters and are believed to have supported a wooden roof with no surrounding walls, making it an open-air hall.
Bulandi Bagh: This area of the archaeological site of Pataliputra is mainly known for the monumental palace capital unearthed in 1895 by L.A. Waddell. Excavations by David Brainard Spooner in 1912-1913 revealed wooden palisades thought to form the protective walls of ancient Pataliputra. In 1926-1927, J.A. Page and M. Ghosh for the Archaeological Survey of India discovered large wooden palisades, which are believed to be of the Mauryan period, based on historic accounts.
Other Finds: Besides the Mauryan structures, other ancient buildings such as the Ananda Vihar (a Buddhist monastery) and Arogya Vihar (a medical facility) have been discovered in Kumhrar. Additionally, the Durakhi Devi Temple, a Shunga period carving with Shalabhanjikas, provides insights into the religious and cultural practices of the era.
Current Challenges and Future Prospects
While considerable efforts have been made, the preservation of these ruins poses significant challenges. Environmental degradation and human neglect threaten the structural integrity of these sites. Moreover, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) often operates with limited budgets, making thorough and sustained conservation efforts difficult.
The remnants of the palaces and cities of the Mauryan Empire are crucial to understanding the architectural styles and urban planning of this ancient era. Continued efforts in excavation, preservation, and public awareness are essential for safeguarding these historical treasures.
Despite the challenges, these archaeological sites offer valuable insights into the past and serve as a vital link to understanding the cultural and historical legacy of Ashoka and Chandragupta Maurya.