Nearly nine decades after archaeologists first began digging at Vaishya Tekri near Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh is preparing to revisit one of the state’s most intriguing archaeological sites.

The mound is believed to contain a large Buddhist stupa dating to the Mauryan period, potentially more than 2,000 years old. Its possible association with Emperor Ashoka and the Buddhist history of ancient Ujjain has made it the focus of renewed attention from the state government and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

However, archaeologists are stressing an important distinction: Vaishya Tekri cannot officially be declared bigger than Sanchi until modern excavation establishes the structure’s actual dimensions and architecture.

Vaishya Tekri vs Sanchi: The Size Difference

The historical measurements are what make the site particularly significant.

Records from the 1938-39 excavation estimated the main Vaishya Tekri mound at roughly 350 feet in diameter and at least 100 feet high. By comparison, the Great Stupa at Sanchi is about 120 feet in diameter and 54 feet high.

This means the Vaishya Tekri mound's recorded diameter is almost three times that of Sanchi, while its recorded height is nearly twice as much. That does not automatically mean the finished stupa was three times larger by volume. The figures are historical estimates of the mound and need to be tested through excavation.

The Great Stupa at Sanchi itself began as an Ashokan-period brick structure and was later enlarged and encased, reaching a diameter of more than 120 feet and a height of about 54 feet.

What Archaeologists Found in 1938-39

The first major excavation at Vaishya Tekri took place in 1938-39. Archaeologists uncovered evidence of a principal stupa along with two smaller stupas.

The construction was unusual. The main structure reportedly had a core made largely from tightly rammed local earth, with large bricks used on the exterior. Archaeologists also recorded unusual masonry at the base, apparently designed to withstand the outward pressure of the massive mound.

A historical archaeological publication also records Vaishya Tekri near Ujjain as a mound suspected to conceal a stupa, while contemporary archaeological work established the wider antiquity of Ujjain through coins, pottery and other material remains.

Why the Excavation Stopped

The excavation did not reach a definitive conclusion.

According to records cited in recent reports, work was abandoned after a gas-related incident in which labourers working at the site fell unconscious. The excavation consequently failed to establish the monument's complete architectural plan or its original height.

That interruption left a remarkable archaeological question unresolved: was the enormous mound actually the remains of an unusually large stupa, and if so, what did it look like when complete?

Vaishya Tekri subsequently remained largely unexplored for almost 90 years.

What the Ashoka Connection Means

The site is traditionally associated with the Mauryan period and Ashoka's connection with Ujjain. Historical and Buddhist traditions link Ashoka with the city, where he is believed to have served as governor before becoming emperor.

Some accounts also connect the monument with Devi, associated with Ashoka and Vidisha. Other proposed identifications — including links with Buddhist sites mentioned in ancient traditions — remain hypotheses rather than established facts.

That is why fresh excavation matters. Archaeological evidence could help establish the monument's date, construction phases, religious function and relationship with the wider Buddhist network of central India.

Why Tourism Could Change

A successful excavation could add a major heritage attraction to Ujjain, a city already known internationally for the Mahakaleshwar temple.

The ASI has indicated that Vaishya Tekri could be developed as a Buddhist heritage site, with emphasis on protection, conservation and making the monument accessible to tourists. The site already has religious significance for Buddhist communities, with gatherings reported during occasions such as Buddha Purnima.

If the excavation confirms the scale suggested by the old records, Ujjain could potentially develop a new archaeological circuit connecting its ancient Buddhist heritage with other major sites in Madhya Pradesh, including Sanchi.

What Happens Next

The renewed project will involve more than simply reopening the old trenches. Authorities have to address excavation methodology, conservation, land and site protection before large-scale work can proceed.

The entire area has also presented administrative challenges because portions of the land are privately owned. Recent reports said acquisition and preservation could require substantial government expenditure.

For now, the safest conclusion is also the most intriguing one: Vaishya Tekri may contain a stupa considerably larger than Sanchi, but only scientific excavation can turn a 90-year-old archaeological possibility into established history.

If confirmed, the discovery would not merely add another monument to Madhya Pradesh's heritage map. It could offer new evidence about the scale, engineering and spread of Buddhism in ancient Ujjain and central India.