Kesariya stupa

Why in news?

• The world-famous Buddhist stupa at Kesariya was heavily waterlogged in recent rains in Bihar.

About the Stupa:

• Kesariya Stupa is a Buddhist stupa in Kesariya, located at a distance in the Champaran (east) district of Bihar.
• The first construction of the Stupa is dated to the 3rd century BCE.
• Kesariya Stupa has a circumference of almost 120 m and raises to a height of about 32 m.

History:

• The original Kesariya stupa probably dates to the time of Ashoka (circa 250 BCE), as the remains of a capital of a Pillar of Ashoka were discovered there.
• The stupa mound may even have been inaugurated during the Buddha's time, as it corresponds in many respects to the description of the stupa erected by the Licchavis of Vaishali to house the alms bowl the Buddha has given them.
• The current stupa dates to the Gupta Dynasty between 200 AD and 750 AD, and may have been associated with the 4th century ruler Raja Chakravarti.
• The ASI has declared the stupa a protected monument of national importance.

Prelims Question

Kesariya stupa, recently in news is located in:
(a)Kerala 
(b)Bihar
(c)Tamil Nadu
(d)Uttar Pradesh

Answer to prelims question