A major Pala-era Buddhist monastery and temple complex has been identified deep within the forests of Jharkhand’s Chatra district. The site includes a central stone temple surrounded by several smaller votive stupas and residential cells for monks. The temple’s outer walls are decorated with sandstone reliefs of the Buddha in various mudras, showing strong stylistic links to the famous Mahabodhi temple architecture.
Initial surveys suggest that this complex was a significant center for Vajrayana Buddhism, serving as a hub between the larger universities of Nalanda and Vikramshila. The discovery of inscribed copper plates within the temple's base mentions royal patronage from a local chieftain under the Pala kings. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has initiated emergency conservation measures to protect the site from illegal excavations and forest encroachment.