Ruins of ‘Koliya era’ brick well found in Devdaha

LUMBINI: Ruins of an ancient brick well have been discovered in Devdaha of Rupandehi, which locals claim to be part of the ancient Koliya kingdom, the maternal home of Lord Buddha’s mother, Mayadevi.

The well, approximately 3.5 meters deep and 2 meters wide, was unearthed in Khayardanda during an excavation that began on Thursday. Last year, only the upper part of the well was uncovered. “We have discovered an ancient well that is about two meters wide and three and a half meters deep,” Senior Archaeologist of Lumbini Development Trust, Himal Kumar Upreti, told Himal Press. “This year, we have excavated the complete well; it looks in perfect shape.”

Upreti mentioned that the era to which the well belongs can only be determined after carbon dating the artifacts. Ruins of ancient walls and clay pots have also been found to the south of the well.

“Since it is still unclear where exactly the Koliya kingdom, the maternal home of Mayadevi, is located, more research and excavation are needed,” Upreti added. Parts of clay pots dating back to Buddha’s era have also been discovered in the Panditpur area, according to Upreti.

Rajesh Pariyar, an archaeology officer at the Department of Archaeology, also said there is a need for more research and excavation in the area. “We will take further steps after studying the available facts and excavated artifacts,” he added.

The excavation team, led by Upreti, includes Pariyar, Namaraj Adhikari, Chandra Prakash Pathak, Antar Hussain Musalman from the Lumbini Development Trust, and Shubechchha Pokharel as an expert.

The excavation, funded with one million rupees provided by the Devdaha Municipality, will continue for about a month.