Ancient monastery found in India: 15-10-2008
Scientists in India have discovered proof of the existence of Buddhism in the west of the country in ancient times.
An archaeological site in the Sabarkantha district has been revealed to hold an ancient Buddhist monastery following three years of work by scientists from the Gujarat State Archaeological Department.
Department director Y A Rawat explained the significance of the find.
"This excavation is an important finding since it establishes that besides caves situated in Junagadh as well as in other areas of north Gujarat, structural constructions also existed during the 2nd and 4th Century AD," he explained.
"It has been found that a Chinese monk and traveller by the name of Wenshang visited India in 7th Century AD.
"In his travelogue he had mentioned about 1,000 monks living in 10 monasteries at Vadnagar, which was earlier known as Anandpur during that era."
Mr Rawat explained that the fact that the monastery is based within the town walls shows how closely the locals followed the religion.
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