Remote sensing investigation of the Buddhist archaeological landscape around Sannati, India

Abstract

In a country like India which has a long history of human occupancy and rich cultural heritage, identification of potential archaeological sites is essential before they get fully obliterated due to rapid urbanization, large-scale infrastructure development and mechanised agriculture activities. In this study, an important Buddhist site Sannati (which dates back to Maurya period, 3rd century BCE) and its surrounding, is investigated. Earlier investigations have uncovered a fortified mound, Vihara complex, habitation site and 3 stupa mounds in this region. The present study develops simple and cost-effective ways to identify potential buried archaeological sites and mounds using the knowledge of known sites and visual interpretation of remote sensing images of the region. This study has successfully located several archaeologically potential sites in the study area that now require archaeological investigation on ground. The developed approach can be applied to investigate other similar buried/undiscovered potential archaeological sites.