Sirpur Archaeological Site
Why in news?
The Chhattisgarh government is preparing Sirpur for UNESCO World Heritage nomination, with ongoing conservation, tourism revamp, and protection by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Key facts
- Location: Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh, India, on Mahanadi River banks, 78-85 km east of Raipur.
- Time Period: 5th–12th century CE; layers from mid-1st millennium BCE to medieval era.
- Historical Role: Capital of Dakshina Kosala (South Kosala) under Sharabhapuriya, Panduvamshi, and Somavamshi dynasties; multi-religious urban trade hub for gemstones, textiles, spices.
- Visitor Record: Visited by Chinese traveler Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) in 639 CE.
- Discovery: Identified by Alexander Cunningham in 1882; major excavations in 1950s, 1990s, 2003+.
- Key Monuments: 22 Shiva temples, 5 Vishnu temples (e.g., 7th-century Lakshmana Temple in Nagara style), 10-12 Buddhist viharas (e.g., Tivaradeva Mahavihara), 3 Jain viharas, stupas, palaces, market, bath house.
- Recent News: Chhattisgarh pushing UNESCO World Heritage nomination; ASI-SADA joint inspection, conservation, tourism upgrades (golf carts, 3D exhibits, signage, clusters).
- Protection: Managed by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
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