Archaeologists started conducting geophysics survey to find out ancient structures at Ramgram Stupa in Ramgram Municipality, Nawalparasi (West), on Friday.

The stupa houses the astadhatu (relics) of Lord Gautam Buddha. Out of eight such remains of the Buddha, this is the only complete astadhatu.

The survey was initiated by a team of experts and archaeologists from the Durham University of the UK, the Department of Archeology and the Lumbini Development Trust.

Ram Bahadur Kunwar, a senior archaeologist, said the team will carry out survey works for 10 to 12 days.

“The survey aims to discover ancient structures below the ground,” said Kunwar. According to him, excavation works along the area will be carried out based on this survey.

Three years ago, the remnants of an ancient pond were found some distance from the north-west corner of the stupa during a survey. Government authorities are working to include Ramgram Stupa on the list of Unesco World Heritage Sites.

Professor Robin Coningham of Durham University said that it will be easy to trace ancient structures, including the pond, vihara and roads of the Budhha era, after conducting a geophysics survey in the area.

“It will be helpful to collect archaeological evidence from the Ramgram Stupa area,” he said.

In the past, survey works were carried out in the Ramgram Stupa area in 1997, 1999 and 2018. Locals hope that the area will be preserved and developed after the survey results come out.