It was ecstatic to learn of Ambaran- an ancient Buddhist ruins of Kushans and Gupta dynasties. Located a few kilometers away from Akhnoor on the banks of the Chenab. Excavations suggests four different periods of existance-the pre kushans period (second century BC), The Kushans period, the Gupta and the post kushans period.
The site at Ambaran-excavated at different levels
Many a terracotta heads and a gold casket containing the relics of the Buddha were unearthed here and are exhibited in various museums of the world. Some coins, terracotta beads and other articles of Kaniska- the great Kushan Emperor unearthed her are exhibited in a small room along with some photographs of the excavation.
For some one with deep routed interest in archeology, a visit to this virgin site (I call it so because the excavation are on and fear, one fine day they may construct or recreate-this I feel is sacrilegious) is enthralling.
The base of the Stupa covered by tarpaulin sheets to save it from the vagaries of the weather. Hope the rain does not disintegrate the structure
