Beyond Boundaries: New Insights into Bodhgaya’s Ancient Landscape
 

Speaker: Dr. M.B. Rajani, from the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bangalore, who specializes in using geospatial data to uncover archaeological features and address heritage preservation amid urbanization. Her methodology integrates satellite imagery with historical data to reveal insights into cultural landscapes. Her book, Patterns in Past Settlements (2021), shares these findings with a broader audience.

Chair: Prof. Upinder Singh, Professor of History, Ashoka University

As cities expand and landscapes evolve, there are new challenges in preserving India's cultural heritage. This talk will explain how combining modern technology with historical analysis helps uncover hidden archaeological features around many iconic sites. Focusing on the sacred landscape of Bodhgaya, the lecture will discuss the many hidden and unknown archaeological features at Bodhgaya -- such as monasteries, stupas and tanks -- and the clues to the ancient course of the Niranjana river. The discussion will show how these new discoveries challenge past assumptions and offer exciting insights into ancient landscapes. Join us to explore how technology is reshaping our understanding of heritage sites.