About Pawaya Archaeological Site
Pawaya Archaeological Site is located in Pawaya village, Bhind district, Madhya Pradesh, on the confluence of the Sindh and Parvati rivers, about 68 km south of Gwalior. Identified as ancient Padmavati, capital of the Naga dynasty, the site comprises extensive mounds and ruins dating from 3rd century BCE to Gupta period. Excavations have yielded sculptures, coins, and architectural remains, many now housed in museums, making it significant for history enthusiasts.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a largely open, rural archaeological landscape with earthen mounds, scattered brick and stone ruins, and riverine surroundings at the confluence of the Sindh and Parvati rivers. There are no standing monumental structures; remains are mostly excavated foundations and surface scatters. Sculptures and major finds from the site are displayed in the Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum, Gwalior. The setting is quiet and undeveloped, suitable for observing ancient settlement topography and exploring on foot.
Key highlights
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Identified as ancient Padmavati, capital of the Naga dynasty in 3rd-4th century CE
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Extensive mounds marking the ancient city at the confluence of Sindh and Parvati rivers
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Finds from Gupta period including terracottas, coins, and stone sculptures
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Famous life-size Yaksha Manibhadra and other sculptures now in Gwalior Museum
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Excavated remains spanning from 3rd century BCE to early medieval period
History of Pawaya Archaeological Site
Pawaya is identified with Padmavati, described in ancient texts such as Bhasa's Svapnavasavadatta and Banabhatta's Harshacharita as the capital of the Naga kings in the 3rd-4th century CE. Excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India revealed a continuous settlement from around 3rd century BCE through the Gupta period (4th-6th century CE). Finds include Naga coins, Gupta-era terracottas, brick structures, and Brahmanical and Jain sculptures, indicating its importance as a political and cultural centre in early historic central India.
Culture & Context
The site has yielded important Hindu and Jain sculptural art, including Yaksha images and Gupta-style deities, reflecting the religious and artistic traditions of early historic and Gupta-era central India. Many sculptures are preserved in the Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum, Gwalior, and represent the classical art style of the region.