Deorkothar
Deur Kothar · Deorkothar Buddhist Complex · Pali Deokothar Stupas
Maurya 3 c. BCE → Sunga 2–1 c. BCE → Gupta 4–6 c. CE·Maurya → Sunga Buddhist (Ashokan sphere)·🇮🇳 Madhya Pradesh, Rewa District, Tyonthar Tehsil near Katra village, 75 km south of Allahabad road (ancient Dakshinapatha spur), India
About
About Deorkothar
Four-stupa Buddhist monastic complex on the Vindhyan scarp between Rewa and Allahabad — 49 m high dome spread with 46 m diameter great stupa (Stupa 1) excavated 1999–2003 by P.K. Mishra (ASI). Deorkothar is the lost Mauryan stupa hypothesized by Faxian: stamped Mauryan–Sunga brick core, 2.5 m-high stone railing stumps, and unique Pali-marked bricks reading 'badha-giri' (badha = stupa). The complex links Bharhut and Sanchi on the eastern Maurya trade route with Ashokan polish stupa and later Gupta refurbishments, proving Vindhya as Buddhist corridor, not Deccan exclusion zone.
Why it mattersLost Mauryan Vindhyan stupa field — only Pali-marked bricks in India; bridges Bharhut–Sanchi gap and proves Mauryan Vindhya as integrated Buddhist zone.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Is 'badha-giri' = ancient Bharhut (Bharhut inscription Badhagiri)?
- 02Which Mauryan king founded — Ashoka vs Dasharatha?
Theories
- 01Vindhyan Dakshinapatha as primary Maurya–Sunga pilgrimage artery; regional brick marking tradition
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.3 c. BCE Mauryan brick stupa; railing 2 c. BCE; Gupta refurb 4 c. CE
- Period
- Maurya 3 c. BCE → Sunga 2–1 c. BCE → Gupta 4–6 c. CE
- Culture
- Maurya → Sunga Buddhist (Ashokan sphere)
- Builders
- Maurya (Ashoka?) → Sunga sangha donors
- Purpose
- Monastic and pilgrimage stupa field on Allahabad–Rewa–Sanchi trade spur controlling Vindhyan pass
- Abandoned
- c.600 CE after Vakataka retreat; jungle reclaimed hill
- Rediscovered
- 1982 exploratory by V.D. Jha; 1999–2003 Mishra ASI excavation exposes four stupas
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.3 c. BCE
Mauryan brick core (46 m dia) with stamped bricks 'badha-giri' erected
c.2 c. BCE
Sunga limestone railing and gateway with aniconic reliefs added
1999–2003
P.K. Mishra exposes Stupas 1–4, railing and monastery foundations
On the ground
Structures & features
24.9324° N · 81.6630° E · 150 m · 2 mapped features
Great Stupa 1 (46 m diameter Mauryan dome)
stupaMauryan brick core 46 m dia with Pali 'badha-giri' stamped bricks and Sunga railing stumps
24.9325° N · 81.6632° EStupas 2–4 and Monastery Terrace
complexThree smaller stupas (22–12 m dia) and 32×24 m vihara foundations on same ridge
24.9321° N · 81.6628° E
Gallery