Ancient Buddhist statues, artworks unearthed at Uttarkashi village, ASI deploys officials for field survey

Uttarkashi: A remote village in Uttarkashi district has come into the spotlight after several villagers, while conducting restoration work of water sources at the site, unearthed stone statues, pillars and other remains believed to be of an ancient Buddhist site.
The Doon Buddhist Committee, a local organisation comprising local Tibetan Buddhists, have asked the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the tourism department and the Uttarkashi district administration to conduct a proper survey and prepare plans for preservation of Ramnagar area in Panyasari village, which is situated around 30km from Dunda block.
“It was in 1965 when the villagers first found the remains of an ancient site while they were digging soil for the foundation of a house. Since then, many other villagers found stone statues, pillars and other remains from this area. Recently in June, a few more remains were unearthed during the restoration work of a water source,” said TS Kumai, a 62-year-old retired government employee in Panyasari village.
According to local folktales, a Buddhist king of Tibetan origin had ruled this region nearly 300 to 400 years ago, with his two queens. However, the king was an atheist and allegedly used to insult gods, which eventually lead to the devastation of his kingdom after a natural disaster occurred.
“Even today, locals believe that this place is cursed and avoid any construction activity here,” claims Kumai.
Another local villager and member of the Doon Buddhist Committee, Rajat Negi, said, “Some of the unearthed statues are kept in the village’s temple. However, due to lack of proper care, most of the other artefacts have either been damaged or lost.”
Tsering Luding, vice-president of Doon Buddhist Committee, said, “On the basis of local folk tales and the art form, these artefacts indicate the presence of a Buddhist civilization here. Therefore, we have written a letter to ASI and other concerning agencies seeking immediate exploration and preservation of this site.”
Superintending archaeologist of ASI, RK Patel, said they have deployed officials at the site to conduct a proper field survey and asked them to prepare a detailed report on it.
"At first glance, these stone statues have some resemblance to ancient Buddhist artworks. But there is a need for proper research before coming to any conclusion. It could be an important archaeological discovery if the remains actually provide proof to the presence of a Buddhist civilization at this site,” he added.