A Shifting River, Shifting Narratives: The Sacred Landscape of Mahābodhi

Archaeological research at the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya, India, reveals that its sacred landscape was significantly larger than previously assumed. The study identifies 40 archaeological features extending beyond the three known excavated sites—Mahabodhi temple-complex, Taradih mound, and Sujata Kuti stūpa—demonstrating that Mahābodhi’s precincts spanned across the Lilajan River. Key findings include a monastic complex with a moat to the north, enclosures to the south, and a significant structure with a large tank to the east. The research suggests that the current river course differs from its historical path, implying these features were originally contiguous. This challenges long-held narratives about the site’s boundaries and provides critical insights for future archaeological investigations.

Rajani, M. B., & Datta, S. (2025). A Shifting River, Shifting Narratives: The Sacred Landscape of Mahābodhi. South Asian Studies, 41(2), 195–233. https://doi.org/10.1080/02666030.2025.2593722