Ancient mounds from 1,000 BC to colonial buildings: UP adds 39 sites to protected monument list

Reimagining the past: The ‘Kushan trail’

A major part of the plan is a proposed “Kushan trail” that will connect sites linked to the period — an era known for trade networks, urban growth and the rise of major cultural centres like Mathura.

The dynasty ruled over the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, Afghanistan, and possibly areas of Central Asia north of the Kashmir region between the 1st and 3rd Century. The Kushans were also instrumental in spreading Buddhism in Central Asia and China, with the kingdom flourishing under Kanishka I and his successors.

Among the key sites in the proposed protected monument list are:

-Parewajal mound (Sitapur): Spread over 4.8 hectares, this site has yielded pottery and terracotta fragments. Archaeological assessments  point to Kushan-era materials, with parts of the site estimated to be around 2,500 years old.

-Mahepasi mound (Unnao): Spread across more than 3 hectares, a survey of the mound has uncovered pottery remains, terracotta artefacts and structural evidence of habitation tied to the Kushan period.

-Mohan mound (Unnao): Located near the Sai river, this site has yielded red and grey ware and other settlement remains, with preliminary findings suggesting habitation layers dating back to 3,000 years.

The Mehpasi mound in Unnao is spread across more than 3 hectares. (Special Arrangement)

Officials said these findings suggest the sites were part of a larger connected settlement system linked to ancient trade routes and urban hubs, even as their precise chronological classification is still underway

Other sites under assessment for possible Kushan links include Kiratpur Kheda mound in Mainpuri and several mounds in the Agra region.

“A departmental assessment shows that a number of newly identified sites in Sitapur, Unnao and nearby areas have visible indicators from the Kushan period… these were likely part of a wider historical landscape connected to trade routes,” said Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs) Amrit Abhijat.

A “Kushan trail” is being explored as part of a long-term project to connect these sites with the state’s early history in a more structured way through conservation and research, he added.

Temples on the list

Alongside ancient sites, the list also includes lesser-known temples in Sitapur, Hardoi, Kanpur and other districts. Many of these feature regional architectural styles.

A 19th-century Shiva temple in Sitapur, built using lakhori bricks and lime mortar, with multi-storeyed construction and domed elements, is among them, along with the Nageshwar Mahadev and Jangleshwar Mahadev temples in Hardoi.

Other temples include Shiv Mandir in Laharpur, Panchmukhi Shiv temple in Kanpur Nagar, Radha-Krishna Mandir in Fatehpur, and several others across Unnao, Pratapgarh and Varanasi.

The list also features Shri Gangakund in Rae Bareli — a historic water complex spread over 0.74 hectares with ghats and gateways — highlighting traditional water systems.

Musa Bagh, a Nawab-era complex in Lucknow. (Special Arrangement)

Urban sites

In Lucknow, Musa Bagh, a Nawab-era complex linked to the 1857 uprising, is on the list and will undergo conservation. 

Other additions include Raja Nal Ka Teela in Sonbhadra and the Malhar archaeological site in Chandauli.

Officials also discussed plans for interpretation centres, libraries and basic visitor facilities to improve access and engagement at these sites.