Archaeological excavations in southern Nepal have uncovered significant remains from the time of Gautam Buddha in Panditpur. The discoveries were made in Ramgram Municipality of Nawalparasi West district, an area close to the Indian border and historically linked to early Buddhist civilisation.
The Department of Archaeology recently completed a month-long excavation at locations that had not been previously identified by geophysical surveys, a scientific method used to detect underground structures. These new digs revealed well-organised city structures dating back to the sixth century BCE, along with copper coins from the Kushan period, an influential empire that ruled large parts of South Asia between the first and third centuries CE.
Archaeologists found traces of old walls, clay pots, animal figures, jewellery, and everyday tools, showing that Panditpur was once a busy and well-developed settlement. The way the structures are arranged suggests the city was carefully planned. Circular patterns discovered at the site may have been part of a defensive city structure or a religious complex. Some remains also look similar to a Buddhist vihara, or monastery, pointing to the area’s importance in early Buddhist history.
Scientific testing of samples sent to laboratories in the United Kingdom has confirmed that parts of the city date back more than 2,500 years, as Panditpur was within the era of Gautam Buddha. Archaeological evidence shows continuous habitation from ancient times through the Kushan period and later into the Mughal era, when Muslim communities settled in the region. This region lies within the historical centre of early Buddhism, alongside Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.
The Panditpur site spreads across about 40 hectares and is now largely covered by houses and farmland. This has made it difficult to protect the remains. Local authorities and the Ramgram Development Fund want to acquire land to preserve the site, but the process has moved slowly because of limited funds and lengthy government procedures.
Ramgram Municipality has announced plans to develop Panditpur together with the nearby Ramgram Stupa, which is believed to hold relics of Buddha, as a major cultural and tourism site. However, the project cannot move forward without approval and financial support from Nepal’s federal government, as well as cooperation from national heritage agencies.
Archaeologists have warned that farming and construction in the area could cause lasting damage to the ancient structures. They have urged the government to declare Panditpur a protected archaeological zone and to stop new development until proper conservation measures are introduced.
