mauryan-era-80-pillared-assembly-hall-to-reopen-in-patna

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to reopen a section of the historic '80-pillared assembly hall' at Kumhrar in Patna on Sunday.

 

The site, regarded as the sole surviving evidence of Mauryan-era architecture in the Indian subcontinent, is believed to have been the venue for Emperor Ashoka's meetings.

 

This hall, which dates back to the Mauryan Empire, has long been associated with Ashoka, who is thought to have used the space for the Third Buddhist Council held in Patliputra during the 3rd century BCE.

 

However, the ruins of the hall began to face severe waterlogging in the late 1990s due to groundwater seepage, prompting ASI to take protective measures. In 2004, the site was covered with soil and sand to prevent further deterioration.

 

The decision to reopen a portion of the hall was made following an inspection by a team of experts, led by Yadubir Singh Rawat, Director General of ASI, and other prominent archaeologists such as Alok Kumar Sinha, Rittik Das, and Sujeet Nayan, the Superintending Archaeologist of the Patna Circle.

 

“It has been decided to re-open the ‘80-pillared assembly hall’ for the public from tomorrow. Initially, only a few pillars of the hall will be opened for the public,” Sujeet Nayan said.

 

He added, “This will be a historic moment as the hall will be opened for the public after 20 years. The Mauryan Pillared Hall was uncovered during excavations carried out by ASI and the K P Jayaswal Research Institute, Patna, between 1912 and 1915, and again between 1951 and 1955.”

 

The hall was buried under soil for years, until its discovery brought to light a crucial piece of Pataliputra’s ancient history. Nayan further remarked, “Later, after a detailed analysis of the current condition, all pillars may be opened for the public.”

 

The 80-pillared assembly hall is an integral part of the heritage site at Kumhrar, which reveals the ancient history of Patliputra, the capital of the Mauryan Empire.

 

The archaeological remains at the site span four distinct historical periods, from 600 BCE to 600 CE, offering valuable insights into the region's rulers, including Ajatasattu, Chandragupta Maurya, and Ashoka.