Q 342 ASI`S Excavation In Afghanistan

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether information has been sought from Archaeological Survey of India for the excavation point of Bhiksha Patra (begging bowl) of Lord Buddha;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether any action has been taken by the government to bring the bhiksha patra back from afganistan and hand over to vaishali;

(d) if so, the details of action taken till date; and

(e) the plans to provide the above valuable item of historical, archaeological and cultural importance to vaishali?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS(SMT. PRENEET KAUR)

(a)& (b) Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has conveyed that they are getting the photograph of the bowl examined by experts. They have further conveyed that from preliminary observation the object does not appear to be Lord Buddha`s begging bowl. As per the photograph of the bowl purported to be Lord Buddha`s begging bowl, it is rather large for a begging bowl, besides having inscription in Arabic and Persian.

(c)to (e) Embassy of India, is also making further enquiries in the matter so as to ascertain the provenance of the bowl from the Afghan authorities.

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