India’s rich archaeological heritage continues to reveal hidden gems that have gone unnoticed under most travellers’ radar. One of these is Mansar, a small town in Maharashtra that was once the seat of the Vakataka dynasty. During its heyday in the 5th century, the site once housed a palace complex called Pravarapura, which included many temples and a grand stupa. However, it is now a blackened pyramidal brick structure that is remarkably well preserved and free for visitors to check out.
At first blush, the complex resembles the pyramids of Mexico, but look closer and the site's uniqueness starts to show itself. In excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), this capital of the Vakataka King Pravarasena II comprised a Buddhist monastery, a box stupa, small temples, stone images and a palace complex that would have been majestic to look upon in real life when it was in use.
The Mansar site first came to attention in 1972 when the image of a deity, later identified as the Shiva Vamana, was found on a hillock known as Hidimba Tekri. In fact, the hillock was where an extensive temple complex called Pravareśvara was unearthed. Significant 5th-century sculptures of Hindu deities and some coins were also discovered, bringing the total number of artefacts recovered from Mansar to over 2,700.
Furthermore, a water reservoir around the site and the findings of ancient tools and other objects indicate that a large population inhabited the area 1,600 years ago.
Despite being a site of prime archaeological importance (much like these must-visit archeological sites), the neglect of the Mansar site made news in 2014 when the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court directed the ASI to document how it would conserve the precious findings of the area, along with the formation of an on-site museum to display the various artefacts. A quick search on the internet reveals that the museum has still not been set up.
The Vakataka dynasty originated in the central Deccan region in the mid-3rd century. Their empire is said to have extended from the southern edges of Malwa and Gujarat in the north to the Tungabhadra River in the south, as well as from the Arabian Sea in the west to the edges of Chhattisgarh in the east. They were contemporaneous with the Guptas in northern India but are unfortunately less well-known.
The Vakatakas are noted for having been patrons of the arts, architecture and literature. The rock-cut Buddhist viharas (monastery or Buddhist temple) and chaityas (Buddhist shrines or sacred monuments) of the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were built under the patronage of Vakataka king, Harishena.
Born in 420 CE, Pravarasena II was a ruler of the Nandivardhana-Pravarapura branch of the Vakataka dynasty. After succeeding his brother Damodarasena as king, Pravarasena II’s reign seems to have been mostly peaceful and prosperous, and is noted for an efflorescence of religious patronage.
The unearthing of the Shiva Vamana harks back to the fact that Pravarasena II was an ardent Shaivite devotee. Throughout his long reign, he was known as Paramamaheshwara, which means a devout worshipper of Shiva.
The Vakataka dynasty came to an end after they were conquered by the Kadamba dynasty around 510 CE. While centuries have passed since their fall, their influence continues to be seen in the spectacular built heritage they left behind.
How to Reach: The closest city to Mansar is Nagpur, 42 km away by road.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Ruins of Mansar, which are located near Mansar Lake, is generally from October to March. During these months, the weather in the region is cool and pleasant, making it comfortable for sightseeing and exploring the historical remnants.
To enrich your visit, consider timing it with local festivals like the Baisakhi Mela in April or the food and crafts festival in October-November, offering vibrant glimpses into the local culture.
Nearby Places to See: While visiting the Ruins of Mansar, you can also explore several nearby attractions, many of which are centered around the scenic and religiously significant Mansar Lake.
A short distance away, approximately 30 km, lie the twin lakes of Surinsar. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the Surinsar-Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary. For those intrigued by history beyond Mansar, the enigmatic Mahor Garh Ruins present an opportunity for exploration. Furthermore, the vicinity of Mansar Lake is dotted with various smaller temples and shrines, adding to the region's spiritual charm.