The ASI is currently conducting excavations at a site in Madhya Pradesh to uncover what could potentially be India's oldest temple. The excavation efforts are focused in Nachne village, where experts have identified two mounds as potential sites of interest.

These excavation sites are situated just 30 metres away from two ancient temples: a Parvati temple dating back to the Gupta era, and the Chaumukhi temple, which was constructed by the Kalachuri Dynasty.

In Nachne village, located just 500 meters off the highway to Katni in Madhya Pradesh, a team of archaeologists is meticulously excavating two mounds, carefully removing layers of earth that have accumulated over centuries. Their objective is to uncover what could potentially be the oldest temple in India buried beneath.

These excavation sites are situated in close proximity, just 30 meters away, from other significant archaeological sites, including a Gupta-era Parvati temple and the Chaumukhi temple, which was constructed by the Kalachuri Dynasty during the 6th to 7th centuries CE.

Located less than 100 kilometers from Khajuraho, Nachne in Madhya Pradesh is a site rich in history. Archaeologists from the ASI are excavating with the aim of uncovering India's oldest temple. Sources close to the excavation believe that they may have unearthed the upper portion of a temple structure.

The oldest temples in India date back to the Gupta era (4th to early 6th century CE). The state of Madhya Pradesh is home to the majority of these ancient temples, including Temple No. 17 in Sanchi, the Nachne Parvati temple, Tigwa's Vishnu Temple (located 140km away in Katni district), and Bhumara's Shiva Temple. Bajpayee expressed hope that the ongoing excavations would uncover temples predating the Gupta era.

"If we do not discover it here, we will extend our exploration in the region, as it is unlikely that only Gupta-era temples exist. There may be temples older than those from the Gupta period," he explained.

When questioned about the selection of Nachne for excavation, he cited its significant historical background and its status as an unexcavated site.

"We have commenced excavation on two of the eight archaeological mounds in the area," he stated, "Each mound measures approximately two metres in height and covers an area of 1,000 square metres."

He mentioned that the excavation, which started on March 4, is anticipated to conclude within 3-4 months, pending all necessary permissions.

The Parvati temple was unearthed in 1883-84 by Alexander Cunningham, the renowned British military engineer known for his excavations at Sanchi and Sarnath. Indian archaeologist RD Banerji visited the site in 1919.

After more than a century, the sounds of shovels and pickaxes resound once again in this village, as archaeologists search for historical artifacts that could reshape the narrative of history recorded in textbooks.

Image source: Hindustan Times