INDIAN JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY

"Conserving Heritage by Recording Faithfully"

An E-Journal

Excavation of Naimisharanya: Unlocking Ancient India

Introduction: From Sacred Text to Scientific Evidence

Naimisharanya, located on the eastern bank of the Gomti River in Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh, has been revered for centuries as a sacred forest where knowledge was born. Ancient Hindu scriptures describe it as the site where Rishi Shaunaka conducted a 12-year satra, during which Ugrasrava Sauti narrated the epic Mahabharata to an assembly of sages. It is also believed to be the place where the Puranas were first composed and transmitted orally.

Despite its importance in scriptural tradition, Naimisharanya had never been the subject of an extensive archaeological investigation—until now. The excavation of Naimisharanya, led by Professor D. P. Tiwari of the University of Lucknow, has brought forward evidence that not only affirms the site’s historical significance but offers a rare opportunity to connect mythology with material culture.

This major excavation is documented in Volume 1, Number 2 of the Journal of Archaeology, now available as a downloadable e-journal.


Objectives of the Excavation

The central goal of this excavation was to verify whether the mythological narratives associated with Naimisharanya could be supported by archaeological evidence. Using stratigraphic excavation techniques, Prof. Tiwari and his team sought to uncover:

  • Architectural remains indicating permanent or ritual settlement

  • Artifacts corresponding to key historical periods

  • Physical evidence of religious or educational activity

  • Chronological layers that match scriptural descriptions

What followed was a breakthrough in Indian archaeological research.


Excavation Findings: A Multi-Period Cultural Sequence

The site revealed continuous occupation and activity across several major historical periods, including the Mauryan, Kushan, Gupta, and early medieval eras. These discoveries provide an uninterrupted narrative of Naimisharanya’s development from a sacred forest to an enduring center of religious and scholarly life.

Mauryan Period (circa 3rd century BCE)

Artifacts from this period include:

  • Red polished ware pottery

  • Punch-marked silver coins

  • Mud-brick architectural remains

These finds suggest that Naimisharanya had already achieved significance during the early historic period of India and was likely a well-organized settlement.

Kushan Period (1st–3rd century CE)

Among the most important findings were:

  • Terracotta figurines

  • Domestic pottery

  • Agricultural tools

Palaeoethnobotanical analysis conducted on this layer revealed carbonized remains of wheat, barley, rice, pulses, and medicinal plants such as neem and jujube. This suggests a community with an advanced understanding of agriculture, domestic economy, and traditional medicine.

Gupta Period (4th–6th century CE)

Often considered the golden age of Indian culture, this period is represented by:

  • Temple fragments

  • Devotional sculptures

  • Stone inscriptions with Sanskrit references

These artifacts confirm Naimisharanya’s role as a spiritual and intellectual hub during this era, in line with the site’s literary portrayal as a place of religious discourse.

Early Medieval Period (7th–12th century CE)

The most recent archaeological layer includes:

  • Remains of pilgrim shelters

  • Ceremonial fire pits

  • Religious implements

These discoveries point to the continuation of sacred traditions, suggesting that the site remained a pilgrimage destination and scholarly center well into the medieval period.


Correlation with Scriptural Geography

What makes the excavation of Naimisharanya particularly significant is the identification of physical locations mentioned in ancient texts:

  • Suta Gaddi and Vyas Gaddi are platforms identified as the seats from which sages delivered Vedic discourses.

  • Chakratirtha, mentioned as the site where Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra created a powerful energy center, was verified through structural remains around a sacred water body.

  • Dadhichi Kund corresponds with the site where Sage Dadhichi is believed to have donated his bones for the creation of Indra’s thunderbolt.

  • Dashashwamedha Ghat and Hanumangarhi continue to be used for ritual worship today and were found to contain evidence of long-standing ceremonial practices.

The discovery of these locations with archaeological support provides a rare intersection between literary tradition and physical history.


 

General view of Chakrateeth at Naimisaranya
General view of Chakrateeth at Naimisaranya
Dashashvamedha ghat temple
Dashashvamedha ghat temple
General view of Suta Gaddi temple

Academic Importance

The excavation not only enriches our understanding of ancient Indian religious geography but also contributes valuable data to several academic fields, including:

  • Archaeology and ancient Indian history

  • Vedic studies and mythology

  • Cultural anthropology and sacred geography

  • Early Indian economy and agriculture

The combination of stratigraphic data, material culture, and botanical remains allows researchers to study the development of religious, economic, and educational practices at a site long thought to be only legendary.


Featured in Journal of Archaeology – Volume 1, Number 2

This landmark research is presented in detail in Volume 1, Number 2 of the Journal of Archaeology. The issue includes:

  • Detailed excavation reports

  • Stratigraphic maps and site illustrations

  • Artifact photographs and classifications

  • Interpretive essays linking the site to classical texts

  • Paleobotanical findings supporting domestic and ritual use

This volume is an essential resource for scholars, students, and institutions focusing on South Asian heritage, religious studies, and archaeology.


Purchase the Full Issue

To access the full research findings, visual documentation, and scholarly interpretations, you can purchase Volume 1, Number 2 of the Journal of Archaeology directly from our website.

© 2025 Created with  RytCliq Production