India, the cradle of Buddhism, continues to stand as a beacon of spiritual heritage and historical preservation. Among its most sacred sites is Bodhgaya, the revered location where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree. Through ongoing archaeological efforts and meticulous conservation, India has not only safeguarded the tangible remnants of this profound moment in world history but also nurtured the intangible legacy of the Buddha’s teachings.
The Mahabodhi Temple complex at Bodhgaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a testament to India’s dedication to preserving its rich Buddhist past. Located on the western bank of the River Phalgu in Bihar, about 110 km south of Patna, the site continues to attract pilgrims and scholars alike. The initial excavations carried out by Sir Alexander Cunningham in 1878, during his tenure as Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), unveiled layers of history that date as far back as the 3rd century BCE.
Cunningham’s pioneering work unearthed an ancient shrine enclosing the Bodhi tree and the sacred ‘diamond throne’—a stone slab believed to mark the exact spot of the Buddha’s enlightenment. These findings laid the foundation for further archaeological discoveries that have illuminated the architectural and religious evolution of the site over centuries. Importantly, alongside excavations, a campaign of restoration ensured that the Mahabodhi Temple was not only studied but also lovingly revived, making it a living monument rather than a relic of the past.
India’s preservation efforts extend beyond the central temple to nearby monastic and ritual sites. At Taradih, just 100 meters southwest of the Mahabodhi Temple, a Buddhist monastery dating to the Gupta period (4th–6th century CE) and later expanded until the 12th century was excavated by the Bihar State Directorate of Archaeology between 1981 and 1999. Similarly, the Bakraur Stupa, located about a kilometre to the northeast, was explored in multiple phases by the ASI, revealing its origins in the 8th–10th century CE.
Despite the extensive history and cultural gravity of these sites, a comprehensive scholarly synthesis of the archaeological evidence had remained elusive—until now. Thanks to a collaborative project led by Prof. Daniela De Simone of Ghent University, in partnership with Prof. Abhishek Singh Amar and Dr. Vishi Upadhyay, and supported by the Shelby White and Leon Levy Program, the archaeological narrative of Bodhgaya is finally being unified. Their work, which combines historical records, site photographs, artefact studies, and advanced mapping, is filling a vital gap in Buddhist historiography.
The artefacts recovered and displayed in museums, including intricately carved stone railings, terracotta plaques, and sacred stone images of the Buddha in the earth-touching gesture, speak volumes of India’s reverence for its Buddhist roots. These items are preserved with care in the Archaeological Museum in Bodhgaya and the Indian Museum in Kolkata, ensuring that the legacy of the Buddha is accessible to both present and future generations.
India’s role in preserving Bodhgaya is more than a matter of heritage—it is an affirmation of its commitment to interfaith respect, historical scholarship, and cultural continuity. As the birthplace of Buddhism and the guardian of its holiest site, India stands not just as a custodian of monuments, but as a steward of spiritual wisdom that has inspired millions around the world.
Through sustained excavation, conservation, and academic collaboration, India continues to honour the legacy of the Buddha—not as a chapter closed in time, but as a living tradition embedded in its sacred soil.
