The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has conducted significant excavations in Benisagar village, located in Jharkhand. Among the notable findings are hundreds of artefacts, including exquisite sculptures, stone figures, and a stone seal inscribed in Brahmi script, revealing a wealth of historical information.
Evidence gathered from archaeological studies indicates that Benisagar was inhabited continuously from the 5th century A.D. until the 16th-17th century A.D.. This long duration of habitation highlights the site's importance in understanding ancient Indian civilization.
Benisagar has been recognized by the ASI as one of the 100 most prominent archaeological monuments in India. This recognition stems from the site's significant findings and its historical relevance, which contribute to the broader understanding of cultural heritage in the region.
The stone seal discovered at Benisagar features an inscription that references a person named "Priyangu", who was noted to be well-versed in the four Vedas. The use of Brahmi script and the Sanskrit language further emphasize the scholarly activities that may have taken place at this site.
Some scholars theorize that Benisagar functioned as a center of learning, where the teachings of the four Vedas were imparted. This hypothesis is supported by the presence of the stone seal and the associated inscriptions, suggesting a rich educational tradition in the area.
Historians have posited that Benisagar was significantly influenced by Tantrism and Shaivism. These religious traditions are believed to have shaped the cultural and spiritual landscape of the region during the time of its inhabitation.
Based on the extensive discoveries made through archaeological excavations, it is estimated that Benisagar was continuously inhabited from the 5th century to the 16th-17th centuries. This timeline provides valuable insights into the historical continuity and cultural evolution of the area.
Q1. What artefacts were discovered in Benisagar?
Answer: The ASI unearthed hundreds of artefacts in Benisagar, including sculptures, stone figures, and a stone seal with a Brahmi inscription in Sanskrit.
Q2. Why is Benisagar important in archaeology?
Answer: Benisagar was included in the list of the 100 most prominent archaeological monuments due to its significant findings and historical relevance.
Q3. What does the stone seal inscription indicate?
Answer: The stone seal inscription mentions a person named "Priyangu," suggesting a connection to the study of the four Vedas, indicating scholarly activity.
Q4. What religious influences are noted in Benisagar?
Answer: Historians believe that Benisagar was influenced by Tantrism and Shaivism, which shaped its cultural and spiritual landscape.
Q5. What is the estimated duration of inhabitation in Benisagar?
Answer: Archaeological findings suggest that Benisagar was inhabited from the 5th century A.D. to the 16th-17th century A.D.
Question 1: What major archaeological finding was reported in Benisagar?
A) Ancient manuscripts
B) Sculptures and a stone seal
C) Coins from the Gupta period
D) Pottery shards
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which script was used in the inscription found at Benisagar?
A) Devanagari
B) Brahmi
C) Latin
D) Tamil
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What influence is believed to have shaped the religious context of Benisagar?
A) Buddhism
B) Jainism
C) Shaivism and Tantrism
D) Sikhism
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: How long was Benisagar inhabited according to archaeological evidence?
A) From the 1st to the 3rd century
B) From the 5th to the 16th-17th century
C) From the 10th to the 12th century
D) From the 15th to the 17th century
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What is indicated by the presence of the stone seal in Benisagar?
A) A trade center
B) A center of learning
C) A military fortress
D) A religious shrine
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: Who was mentioned in the inscription found at Benisagar?
A) A king
B) A scholar named "Priyangu"
C) A merchant
D) A saint
Correct Answer: B
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