Ranivas Mound in Bihar Declared a Monument of National Importance

The Central Government has declared the Ranivas Mound in Bihar as a Monument of National Importance. This mound is located near the famous Buddhist Site ‘Kesariya Stupa’, and contains evidence of an ancient Buddhist Site. It has a total area of 1.63 acres, and is owned by the Government of Bihar. During a visit in 1861 by the first Director General of ASI, Alexander Cunningham, he documented the archaeological significance of this site.

Ranivas (Raniwas) Mound

This site can be found in Kesariya, East Champaran district of Bihar. It is close to the famous Kesariya Stupa. This site is officially named ‘Raniwas Mound’ in the Gazette notification.

• Total Area: 1.63 Acres.
• Preserved By: Government of Bihar.
• Location: Kesariya, East Champaran, Bihar.
• Notification: 4 November 2026.
• Protection: Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

This site is significant due to its association with an ancient Buddhist site. The location near Kesariya Stupa gives it significance in terms of Buddhist archaeological sites.

Visit by Alexander Cunningham in 1861

In 1861 Alexander Cunningham travelled to the Kesariya area. He conducted an exploration of the Raniwas Mound.

In his report he mentioned there was an ancient Buddhist site with a temple containing a large statue of the Buddha. Further archaeological investigations have found evidence of a monastic site including walls, cells, rooms and corridors.

Declaration under AMASR Act, 1958:

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 is the legislation for declaring monuments and archaeological sites of national importance.

Under Section 4, this process consists of,

• A preliminary notification published in the Official Gazette indicating intentions to declare the monument or site as one of national importance.
• A period of two months is given to anyone with interests in this site to object.
• If any objections are raised, following consideration, the government may publish a final notification under section 4(3).
• This will make the site a protected Monument/Archaeological Site.

A preliminary notification was issued for Raniwas Mound on 8 June 2026. As there were no objections, the Central Government issued a final notification on 4 November 2026 declaring it as one of national importance.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the government body responsible for conducting archaeological research and protecting the cultural heritage.

• Established Year: 1861
• Founded by: Alexander Cunningham.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• Ministry: Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
• Key Responsibilities: Archaeological excavation, conservation of protected monuments, exploration of historical sites, and studying inscriptions and antiquities.

The ASI aim to protect historical remains including temples, forts, tombs, sculptures, inscriptions and ancient settlements. They follow legislation such as the AMASR Act, 1958 and Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972.