Caption: The Palace Complex of the Vakataka Dyansty.
We see many wonderful things in our life. By seeing those marvellous things we are forced to think about their existence. I always have what? when? how? type questions in my mind. Today I am going to share about such a marvellous place here. And that place is Buddhist Stupa at Mansar.
Caption: Ruins and Remains of Pravarapura.
Mansar is a small village situated in Ramtek Tehsil under Nagpur District in the State of Maharashtra, India. Mansar is 5 km from Ramtek and 45 km from Nagpur city. Many Indians might have heard about Ramtek as this is also famous for its temple of Ram.
Caption: A view from Hidimba Tekdi.
Before 1500 years, there were beautiful temples, magnificent palaces and large embellished stupas. In this place, there was a prosperous and growing capital of the Vakataka Dynasty in the 5th century C.E. It was discovered by chance in 1972 by local residents when they were climbing on the nearest Hidimba Tekdi in search of useful stones for domestic use. That time they found the sculpture of Shiva Vamana which was a style of the Vakataka Dynasty. This sculpture is now kept at the National Museum, New Delhi for display. You can search on google by its name.
From 1997-98, excavations were carried out at this ancient sites of Mansar, by Nagpur University first and thereafter by Archeological Survey of India and Bodhisattva Nagarjun Smarak Sanstha Va Anusandhan Kendra, Nagpur. Total 5 sites have been excavated in Mansar, which are named as MNS 1, MNS 2, MNS 3, MNS 4 and MNS 5. MNS coded for Mansar. From the excavation they found Brick Structures which contained the Buddhist Monastery, Ruin temples, the structure of the palace, Buddhist Box Pattern Stupa. Wonderful stone images were found during the Excavation which are identified as the Capital of Vakatakas. Various shrines were discovered under this excavation which are MNS 3, 4, 5. A Palace Complex (MNS 2) which is identified as Pravarapura, the capital of the Vakataka King Pravarasena II.
Pravarasena II had shifted this capital from Nagardhan which is situated nearby. Nagardhan is also an important site. By seeing the ruins and remains at this site you can imagine the existence and how grand the capital must have been in ancient times. The cover photo of this post must have been the Palace complex at that time. It is believed that this construction was built even before the arrival of Vakatakas.
Following are some photos of other ruins and remains.
Caption: Beautiful lake from the top of mountain.
Caption: Bodhisattva Nagarjun Smarak Sanstha Va Anusandhan Kendra
There were no one except me while my visit. I feel such a great wonder of Archaeology is still unseen. It is sad that even authorities have not done enough for its conservation and tourism. That’s why I feel I must share it here as it is best platform for share globally.
Nearest attractions:
- Pench National Park (just 36 km i.e. 50 mins)
- Khindsi Lake
- Dragon Palace Temple
- Nagloka Training Center
- Ramtek
- Nagardhan Fort
- Ramdham
Nearest Airport: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport which is 67 km from this site.
Nearest Railway Station: Ramtek Railway Station. There are many local trains departs from Nagpur Railway Junction Station to Ramtek Railway Station and also State Transport Bus service is available having good frequency.
Entry Fees:
- For Indian Citizen: INR. 20/- (Cashless Payment) and INR. 25/- (Cash Payment)
- For Foreigners: INR. 250/-
It is my pleasure to share this post with you…
Thank you for visiting my post.
