Kesaria Buddha Stupa:Largest in the World

• 12 Jul 2021

• Kesaria Buddha stupa in east Champaran district of Bihar has been recently in news due to waterlogging followed by floods.
• It is regarded as the largest Buddhist stupa in the world.
• The sputa’s exploration had started in the early 19th century after its discovery led by Colonel Mackenzie in 1814. Later, it was excavated by General Cunningham in 1861-62 and in 1998 an ASI team led by archaeologist K.K. Muhammad had excavated the site properly.
• The original Kesaria stupa is said to date back to the time of emperor Ashoka (circa 250 BCE) as the remains of an Ashokan pillar was discovered there.
• The ASI has declared it a protected monument of national importance.