Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Why in the News?

Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) reported 26 Buddhist caves and other archaeological remains in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

Key Points:

The findings:

• Caves: The 26 caves that were found are associated with the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.

• • • These date back to the same time as the Ajanta caves in Aurangabad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
  • Temples: The team also found the remains of 26 temples, two mathas, two stupas, 46 idols and sculptures, 26 fragments and 19 water bodies.
    • The temples are from more recent times — the Kalachuri period (9th-11th century), while the water bodies range between the 2nd-15th centuries CE. 
  • Brahmini inscription: 24 Brahmi inscriptions from the 2nd-5th century CE.

• The places Kaushami, Mathura, Pavata (Parvata), Vejabharada and Sapatanaairikaa are mentioned in the Brahmini inscriptions.

• While the inscribed names of kings include Shri Bhimsena, Maharaja Pothasiri and Bhattadeva.

About Bandhavgarh:

• It was declared a national park in 1968 and became a tiger reserve in 1993. 

• Geographical Aspect: Bandhavgarh Tiger reserve is located in the eastern Satpura hill range of Umaria and Katni districts.
• Biodiversity: 
  • This area is unique from the point of biodiversity, as it comprises hills,valley, rivers, marshes and meadows to give rise to diverse vegetation. 
  • Apart from tiger, as many as 34 species of Mammals have been listed and nearly 260 species of birds and 70 species of butterflies.