Author: Bihar Say | Amrita | Imagine a treasure trove buried under centuries of history, waiting to reveal tales of glory, power, and a shared legacy. Welcome to
Imagine a treasure trove buried under centuries of history, waiting to reveal tales of glory, power, and a shared legacy. Welcome to Simraungarh, a site that bridges India and Nepal through its rich cultural and historical heritage.
For decades, Simraungarh remained a forgotten relic of the Karnat Dynasty (1097-1323 CE), a golden age of the Tirhut-Mithila region. But now, after a 30-year hiatus, Nepal’s Department of Archaeology has unearthed astonishing finds, reigniting global interest in this shared legacy.
From November 21 to December 11, 2024, excavations at Hariharpur village unearthed an astounding array of artifacts. These include significant remnants of the Karnat Dynasty, including:
These finds offer irrefutable proof of the intertwined cultural heritage of India and Nepal.
Simraungarh’s reign began in 1097 CE when Nanyadeva established dominance with the support of the Chalukya ruler Vikramaditya. The dynasty’s influence spanned from the Mahananda River in the east to the Gandak River in the west, from the Himalayas in the north to the Ganges in the south. This era is celebrated as the zenith of Tirhut-Mithila’s cultural and political achievements.
The unearthed sculptures and inscriptions debunk earlier claims attributing them to the Pala period. Experts now affirm these artifacts as Karnat creations, emphasizing the complementary cultural ties between India and Nepal. However, neglect threatens this invaluable heritage. As locals recount, countless artifacts discovered during pond excavations or construction projects have been lost or ignored.
Key figures like Umesh Kushwaha, D.K. Singh, and Bharat Shah have been pivotal in preserving these relics. Their efforts shed light on the Karnat temples, palaces, forts, and sculptures scattered across Simraungarh, which once served as a gateway to this magnificent dynasty.
The 2018 discovery of a Shivling and inscriptions in Tirhuta script and the 2023 unearthing of a six-foot Chaturmukhi Brahma statue underscore the region’s untapped potential. It’s time for both nations to unite in safeguarding this shared heritage.
Simraungarh’s revival isn’t just an archaeological endeavor; it’s a cultural renaissance. Let’s ensure these stories of unity and legacy echo across borders.
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