Nagari Archaeological Site

Nagari Archaeological Site, located 12 km north of Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, is the ancient town of Madhyamika. Flourishing from the Mauryan to Gupta periods, it features excavated ruins including early Vaishnava temple enclosures and a stupa. The site is renowned for the Hathibada Ghosundi inscriptions, among the earliest Sanskrit records, and unique Gupta-period terracotta art.

Visitors can explore the extensive archaeological remains of an ancient fortified town situated on the banks of the Berach river. The site features visible mounds, structural relics such as the Hathi-bada enclosure and Ubh-dival tower, and scattered ancient sculptures. It offers a quiet, historical environment for observing the remnants of early Hindu and Buddhist influences, including brick foundations and terracotta fragments.

Identified as ancient Madhyamika, the site was a flourishing town from the 4th century BCE to the 7th century CE. It served as the capital for the Sibi tribe and later came under the influence of Indo-Greeks, Western Kshatrapas, and Malavas. Excavations revealed one of the earliest known Vaishnava temple enclosures (3rd-2nd century BCE) dedicated to Vasudeva-Sankarshana, and the site is associated with the performance of Vedic sacrifices like Ashvamedha.

The site holds immense cultural value for its contribution to early Indian epigraphy, hosting the Hathibada Ghosundi inscriptions which are among the oldest known Sanskrit records. It also represents a significant center for Gupta-period terracotta art, featuring unique grotesque human figurines and realistic animal reliefs that reflect local artistic traditions.