Local people at Ramgram in Nawalparasi have demanded further excavations of the area after team of archaeologists recently found substantial evidence and declared that the area was once the capital city of ancient Koliya sate, Panditpur.
The team of archaeologists led by Tarananda Mishra, former deputy director of the Department of Archaeology, had found evidence dating back to the seventh century to establish fact that it was the capital city of Koliya state, home to Lord Buddha’s mother. After the archaeologists made public their findings, the Vision Ramgram Group (VRG) and Ramgram Tourism Promotion Committee along with other organisations have been demanding that excavation of the sites be extended and a separate fund for the conservation and development of the area be established.
VRG Coordinator Ram Prasad Pandey said they have already submitted a memorandum to lawmaker Baijanath Chaudhary demanding that Panditpur and Ramgram Ujjaini Stupa areas be redeveloped. “It has become imperative conserve and redevelop the areas,” Pandey said.
He said the district was very fortunate to have the Ramgram Stupa with relics of Lord Budhha and the capital city of the ancient Koliya state. He said it is crucial for the state and locals to join hands to excavate other 12 cities within the ancient state, enlist them as world heritage sites and attract tourists.
Lawmaker Chaudhary, meanwhile, said that the Lumbini Development Trust, which was responsible for the conservation of the area, is not likely to look after the archaeological sites and that he will press the government to create separate body to redevelop the area.
Local people had also felicitated the members of the excavation team for their efforts that led to the unravelling of the historical site.
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