Archaeologists of Gujarat state archaeological department have unearthed a plaque depicting carved scene from Buddha’s life dating back as far as 1900 years at Ghaskol Darwaja archaeological excavation site in Vadnagar, Gujarat around 65 Kms north from Ahmedabad.

When contacted by DeshGujarat.Com, Gujarat state archaeological department’s director Ydubirsingh Rawat(popularly known as YS Rawat) said “We have found a Grey color half cut slate stone plaque. Trend of depicting Buddha in sculpture began in Mahayana period after first century. As of now we can make preliminary judgment that this plaque is from first or second century A.D. and 1900 year old. Popular scene from Buddha’s life is depicted over this plaque in which monkey offered him honey when he was in a jungle.”

Buddhists in India celebrate Madhu purnima on the day of the full moon in Bhadra month in commemoration of the service and support rendered by the animals of the Parilyeyok forest to Bhagavan Gautam Buddha. While Buddha was observing his 10th barsabas or monsoon rites in the Parilyeyok forest One day a monkey brought a beehive, which Buddha accepted. In his joy at the Buddha’s acceptance of his gift, the monkey started jumping from tree to tree and suffered a fatal fall. It was the day of the full moon in Bhadra. The day was named Madhu purnima or ‘honey full-moon’ to commemorate the gift of the monkey. Madhu purnima announces the greatness of charity.

Chinese traveler Hieun Tsanghad visited Vadnagar between 640 to 644 A.D. and documented presence of 1,000 Buddhist monks and 10 Buddhist monasteries in and around Vadnagar town known as Anandpur in that era. Decades back, another sculpture of Bhagvan Buddha was found from Vadnagar which was then placed in Vadnagar museum for permanent exhibition.

Idea of archaeological excavation at Vanagar was moved by none other but Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi himself as he belongs to this town. Narendra Modi had judged Vadnagar as a prolific site for archaeological excavation in early days of his life.

Archaeological department of Gujarat has three different sites in Vadnagar where excavations are going on. So far around 2,000 pieces of archaeological importance including 2000 years old house, numerous clay utensils, silver coins, beads, ornaments, Roman style head sculpture, turbaned face clay plaque etc are unearthed from these sites. Ghaskol darwaja site from where Buddha plaque is found is also known as ‘Mystery structure’ site in archaeologists circles.(In Photos: Above-Buddha plaque, below-Archaeological excavation site of Ghaskol Darawja in Vadnagar)