‘‘Vadnagar International Conference’
Three-day Vadnagar International Conference was inaugurated by Gujarat CM at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar (Gujarat) on May 18th. It was attended by the Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs and representatives from UNESCO.
What is the objective of the conference?
To discuss the topics like the cultural significance of Vadnagar, development of Vadnagar archaeological sites, traditional methods of water storage, Buddhist heritage, etc.
Where is Vadnagar located and what is its significance?
Vadnagar is located in the Mehsana district of Gujarat. It was earlier known by the names Anatapura and Anandapura. It is one of the important Buddhist sites and a historically important town. The town has a history of continuous human settlements, dating back to the third and fourth centuries. Vadnagar is also mentioned in the travelogue of Chinese traveler, Hiuen Tsang (7th century), as a flourishing town.
Who conducted excavations in Vadnagar and what things were found?
In 2006, the archaeology department of Gujarat began excavations in Vadnagar. In 2014, the excavation work was taken over by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Excavation is still going on at two sites in Vadnagar – Ambha Ghat, and the Anaaj.
Buddhist relics and around 20,000 artifacts were found. One of the artifacts resembles a pradakshina path. Bowls having terracotta sealing with inscriptions of namassarvagyaya and a face-shaped pendant with the tritatva symbol were also found.
How is the government promoting the Vadnagar town?
Apart from organizing the international conference, the Gujarat government along with the Union Ministry of Culture is planning to develop Vadnagar as a “Landmark Heritage Destination”.
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Month: Current Affairs - May, 2022
Category: Art & Culture Current Affairs