Advancing Archaeological Methodology: Non-Invasive Mapping of Mauryan-Era Stupas

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in a synergistic collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh archaeology department and the Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal, has initiated a sophisticated geophysical survey at the Vaishya Tekri site in Ujjain. This project utilizes ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to delineate the structural remains of an ancient Buddhist monument associated with the Mauryan period, all without the necessity of physical excavation. This initiative represents a significant paradigm shift in Indian archaeology. Traditionally, archaeological exploration in India relied heavily on invasive methods, which, while revealing, often posed risks to the structural integrity of fragile sites. By adopting non-invasive techniques, the ASI is aligning its conservation practices with global best practices that prioritize the preservation of in-situ remains. The Vaishya Tekri mound, often associated with the patronage of Ashoka the Great during his tenure as the Viceroy of Ujjain, serves as a crucial link to understanding the expansion of Buddhism in central India. Mapping its layout through sub-surface imaging allows researchers to ascertain architectural features, circumambulatory paths, and potential peripheral structures that have long been buried under sediment.