Nagpur: Maharashtras Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) also called the land of Mowgli, is known for its enchanting beauty and languorous tigers, but the lush forest spread once straddled a thriving human habitation with a heritage dating back to Kshatrapa and Gupta-Vakataka periods.A recent archaeological exploration survey by Nagpur Universitys ancient history, culture and archaeology department has discovered remains of sculptures and artefacts of the 2nd and 10th century.This followed analysis of artefacts excavated in the Ghuggusgarh and Kolitmara areas in West Pench.The survey was initiated by Pench conservator and field director Prabhu Nath Shukla and was conducted on August 26 & 27 and a detailed report was recently submitted.The study team led by NUs head of archaeology department Prof Prabash Sahu also included historians Mohan Pardhi, KS Chandra and Shantanu Ingle. Others in the team were RFO Vishal Chavan, round officer Gunwanta Gaikwad, forest guard Pradeep Pawar, and van majoor Mukesh Urmale.The team surveyed Ghuggusgarh and Kolitmara to assess the archaeological potential of the hitherto unexplored areas of the tiger reserve and identify and document structural remains, said Pench officials.The discovered structures include remnants of a temple, Buddhist sculptures, fortifications, stone platforms, stepwells, bastions, and other structures of cultural and historical importance.The team also found a mutilated red sandstone frieze panel, portion of a decorative panel, a spiral floral design, face with elongated ears with kundala, curly hairstyle typical of Buddhist sculptures (might be a standing figure male or female in tribhanga mudra) — dating to the Gupta period from 3rd to 6th century.The survey also discovered broken pieces of a black basalt mahishasurmardini with a trident piercing the neck of a crouching buffalo demon and the deitys left foot on it. Though upper portions of the image is mutilated, traces of head and shoulders can be seen on the broken pieces.Field works by scholars during the British era and later in Sixties and Seventies construed that deep in forested areas of Ghuggusgarh and its neighborhood, lay key remains of an early historical period of the region. These works were corroborated in the latest survey.Prof Sahu confirmed the survey was done on an invite by Pench director Shukla. It shows interesting findings. However, he did not divulge details.Pench officials said the exploration covered around 10km within the tiger reserve and was thoroughly surveyed by foot. All structures and artefacts were documented.Looking at the remains, especially brick sizes, the antiquity of the site can be traced to the Kshatrapa and Gupta-Vakataka period, been represented by continuous human occupation. The period can be set from the 2nd century with the site being deserted after decline of the Vakataka dynasty, the study reveals.Sahu and his team recommended preserving the remains to know about the glorious period of Vakatakas which was probably preceded by the western Kshatrapas.

Stay updated with all the Latest Nagpur headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.