THE BUDDHIST ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF AMBARAN IN A HISTORICAL RETROSPECT

Abstract

This paper seeks to understand the excavated archaeological sites of Ambaran. The commencement of archaeology in Jammu and Kashmir acquainted the world with its rich heritage and culture of the region. Jammu and Kashmir was a cradle of culture in ancient period because it is the land where Kalhana wrote the first historical book of India, R?jatara?gini. The exploration of Jammu and Kashmir was started by foreigners in the 19th century. They brought to light many monumental heritage sites that have since attracted the world towards Jammu and Kashmir. From the 20th century onwards, the Archaeological Survey of India became active in the region and explored and excavated many sites of different cultures. The excavation of Ambaran started in 1999.