Archaeologists have unearthed relics dating back around 2,000 years to the Kushan era (30-375 AD) during excavations at the culturally and historically significant site of Kichak Badh, located in Bhadrapur Municipality-3 of Jhapa district.

Archaeologist Uddhav Acharya confirmed that the relics unearthed during the excavation can be traced back to the period of the Kushan era.

“There is sufficient evidence to suggest the existence of a palace and a fortress belonging to a Kushan ruler in the vicinity,” said Acharya.

Archaeologist Acharya, referring to a study conducted by a French geologist, mentioned that these structures remained intact until the fifth century and were destroyed by a massive earthquake.

According to historical records, the Kushan Empire was the earliest kingdom in post-Mauryan India, with its influence stretching from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran to distant Central Asia. It is believed that statues of Lord Buddha were crafted for the first time during this era.

A team from the Department of Archaeology conducted excavations in various stages in the area. According to the archaeologist, excavation work commenced in 2001, and the seventh phase of digging took place eight years ago.

Acharya said the excavation work was hindered by budget constraints. However, this time, the department has allocated one million rupees for the project. The excavation work will continue until the end of March and the area will be then covered for preservation, he said.

A five-member team led by Acharya has been conducting the archeological study at Kichak Badh area for the past one week. The Kichak Badh area that lies 10 kilometers south of the Jhapa district headquarters Chandragadhi is believed to have connection with the Mahabharata-era. Kichak was brother-in-law of King Birat and chief of his army as well. Legend has it that he was powerful but was killed by Bhimsen, the second of the five Pandavas, after he attempted to seduce Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas.