Sat Aug 02 17:19:08 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Ancient Buddhist Site in Rajaghatta to Undergo New Excavation**

**Rajaghatta, India – August 2, 2025** – After a successful excavation in the early 2000s, Rajaghatta, a village near Bengaluru, is set to be re-excavated in search of more artifacts from its ancient Buddhist settlement. Tourism Minister H.K. Patil inaugurated the program on July 16th, with excavations to commence after the monsoon season. The previous excavation, led by M.S. Krishnamurthy, discovered significant Buddhist artifacts dating back to the fourth and fifth centuries.

The new excavation aims to uncover more relics from the ancient period in the location which is known to locals as Boodi Gundi, or “pit of ashes”. Discoveries from the previous excavation included a Buddhist Chaityalaya, a Vihaara, a Buddha medallion, clay tablets, and stupas. These artifacts are currently housed in the University of Mysore museum, but there are intentions to relocate them to Rajaghatta after the excavation.

Local residents are showing mixed reactions to the new excavation. While some understand the historical significance of the land, others are hesitant to give up their agricultural lands. Some landowners also kept their discoveries quiet in the past to avoid giving up their lands.

The state government will encourage the villagers to allow excavations to take place on their land. If they do not agree, the government will acquire them and provide them land elsewhere or monetary compensation.

The state and police have taken initiative to encourage the locals to share any further information. Sadiq Pasha, police inspector, Doddaballapur Rural Police Station hopes that the Mane Manege Police (door-to-door police service) initiative will encourage the locals to report any findings or encroachment in the historic sites.

After completion of the excavation, the plan is to showcase the artifacts for the public and transform Rajaghatta into a tourist destination, showcasing its ancient Buddhist heritage.

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