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Kashmir’s First Large-Scale Excavation Unearths Major Kushan-Era Buddhist Settlement In Baramulla
Arun Dhital
Dec 06, 2025, 03:46 PM | Updated 03:46
Archaeologists have uncovered a major Kushan-period Buddhist settlement in Zehanpora, Baramulla district, marking the first excavation of this scale in Kashmir and a discovery experts say could reshape understanding of the region’s ancient history, the Rising Kashmir reported.
The excavation is being carried out jointly by students from Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre of Central Asian Studies (CCAS) at the University of Kashmir, and the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums (DAAM).
According to Javaid Manto, Excavation Assistant at DAAM, the five-month dig has revealed three stupas, structural walls, pottery, copper artefacts and apsidal stupas dating back nearly two millennia.
“This dig is important because it takes us back 2,000 years and will help understand the history of that era. Students involved will gain invaluable academic experience,” he said.
Researchers identified the site using literary references such as the Rajtarangini, historical travelogues, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scans that suggested buried structures.
The current phase of fieldwork will continue for another five to six days before pausing for winter, with work expected to resume in May.
The project is part of a broader collaboration between CCAS and DAAM following their MoU signed on 31 October, aimed at strengthening archaeological research, documentation and heritage conservation.
The partnership includes joint fieldwork, artifact study for research and museum display, 3D digital documentation and the development of on-site museums and interpretive spaces.
Before excavation began, the team conducted drone surveys, high-resolution mapping and ground verification, which confirmed that the large mounds near Zehanpora were likely remnants of ancient stupas.
Modern digital techniques are being used to ensure scientific recovery of the site.
Baramulla Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa, who inspected the excavation, said the findings will greatly enhance knowledge of the region’s past.
“This excavation will help us study construction materials, pottery, and the nature of ancient settlements here. It marks a new chapter in Baramulla’s history,” he was quoted as saying by Rising Kashmir.
Calling the discoveries the first of such magnitude in the valley, Sherpa added: “The region has long been an ancient trade route, and these findings from the Kushan period are significant. This is the first excavation of such scale anywhere in the valley.”
Telangana HC upholds cancellation of seven caste certificates
HYDERABAD: The Telangana High Court has dismissed a writ appeal filed by Chouhan Devanand and six others, upholding the Adilabad district collector’s order cancelling their ST (Lambada) community certificates.
A bench affirmed the single judge’s October 29 order refusing to interfere with the collector’s May 28 proceedings, which followed an inquiry triggered by a complaint alleging fabrication of documents.
The court held that the appellants bypassed the statutory appellate and review remedies under Sections 7(2) and 7(3) of the Telangana Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes Community Certificates Act, 1993, making their writ petition not maintainable.
Ugrappa urges CM Siddaramaiah to seek PM’s help for hike in quota of SC/ST/OBCs
BENGALURU: Former MP and senior Congress leader VS Ugrappa on Saturday urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take an all-party delegation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure legal protection for the hike in quota of SC/ST/OBCs by including it in the 9th Schedule of the Constitution. He said the courts have stayed fresh recruitment in government jobs affecting the prospects of SC/ST and OBC candidates.
Even as the previous BJP government led by Basavaraj Bommai had brought a law by hiking the quota of SCs from 15 to 17 per cent, STs from 3 to 7 per cent and providing OBCs with 32 per cent, together 56 per cent, the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT) has kept aside the law. The High Court has stayed the implementation citing that the move breaches 50% ceiling of quota which has no constitutional validity.
He said both the state and central governments lack political will. The High Court’s interim order on December 2 has affected recruitment in the government besides promotion of officials as well.
Addressing a joint press conference under the flagship of ST Nayaka Valmeeki Community’s like-minded people’s forum he pointed out that both the houses of the Karnataka Legislature in 2022 had unanimously passed the Bill that resulted in The Karnataka SC and ST Reservation Act, 2022, coming into force.
“In Indra Sawhney & others versus Union of India case the Supreme Court had ordered that the quota should not breach 50 per cent cap but it had also said that there is a scope to hike the quota if the communities are not getting the adequate representation. Unfortunately the courts have failed to interpret it and also the lawyers concerned from the state government,” he alleged.
Ugrappa reiterated that he will not oppose the ST tag for backward caste Kurubas provided the government conducts ethnographic study of that caste and if found it has the tribal characteristics. He regretted that despite an ST community leader being at the helm of affairs, he could not protect the interest of the community.
Ambedkar is dead. Long live Ambedkar!
https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/ambedkar-is-dead-long-live-ambedkar-101765116243593.html
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Ambedkar ensured justice for Dalits and Muslims during Partition, says Abu Azmi
ANI | Updated: Dec 07, 2025 04:20 IST
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 7 (ANI): On the death anniversary of BR Ambedkar, Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi has said that Ambedkar played a crucial role in ensuring justice for both Dalits and Muslims during the time of Partition.
Speaking to reporters, Azmi said, "When India and Pakistan were separated in 1947, Muslims were going to Pakistan... but Baba Saheb said no. Baba Saheb fought a battle. He did justice to both Dalits and Muslims."
Azmi said Ambedkar's contributions continue to guide the nation and emphasised the importance of unity and constitutional values.
PM Modi also paid tributes to Baba Saheb BR Ambedkar on his Mahaparinirvan Diwas.
"The transformation taking place in India is not merely about possibilities. It is the real story of changing lives, evolving mindsets and a nation moving in a new direction. Today is also the Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Baba Saheb Dr B R Ambedkar, the architect of our Constitution. I offer my tributes to him on behalf of all Indians," he said.
"Today we stand at a moment when one fourth of the twenty-first century has already passed. In these twenty five years, the world has witnessed many ups and downs. It has seen financial crises. It has faced a global pandemic. Each of these situations has challenged the global community in some form. Amid an atmosphere of uncertainty, our nation is emerging in a league of its own. India is moving ahead with deep self-confidence," he added.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said, "Dr. Ambedkar not only established democratic values in the Constitution of India but also laid the foundation for ensuring equal rights and justice for every section of society. He continuously fought against social discrimination and described education as the most effective medium for social upliftment."
"Baba Saheb's teachings and his ideas will continue to inspire society forever. His unwavering commitment towards equality, justice and human rights will continue to illuminate our path," he added.
The 70th Mahaparinirvan Diwas was commemorated by Dr Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) on behalf of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, at Prerna Sthal, Parliament House Campus, near the statue of Babasaheb Dr BR Ambedkar.
During the event, the Dr Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) also maintained a stall to assist with the storage of followers' belongings. At the same time, they paid their floral tribute to Babasaheb BR Ambedkar in a befitting manner with the confluence of Buddhist chants performed by 25 Buddhist monks.
The establishment of the Dr Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) aimed to propagate the ideals of Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar. The autonomous organisation was formed on March 24, 1992, and functions under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
The DAF was tasked with implementing programmes and initiatives to promote the vision and philosophy of Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar on a national scale. (ANI)
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