History · 18 Aug 2026

Vaishya Tekri stupa

Consider the following statements regarding the stupa mound of Vaishya Tekri in Ujjain:

  1. It was first scientifically excavated in 1938-39 by the Archaeological Department of the erstwhile Gwalior State.
  2. The 1938-39 excavation estimated the height of the stupa to be less than that of the Sanchi Stupa.
  3. Coins recovered from the site, including a punch-marked coin, helped date the structure to the 3rd century BC.
A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3
This question is based on: The Ujjain Stupa India Found Once and Then Forgot for 90 Years
Take this in full test mode → Instructions for 18 Aug 2026
About this question

Why in news

The ASI has proposed a renewed excavation of Vaishya Tekri after Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, whose constituency includes Ujjain, pushed to speed up the process; a Rs 40 crore land acquisition has also been proposed to secure the site.

Why for UPSC

Tests whether the candidate can catch a factually reversed but superficially plausible comparison (stupa height vs Sanchi) rather than the headline fact alone - a classic UPSC "verify the specific detail" trap set inside an Art & Culture current-affairs hook.

Prelims summary

Vaishya Tekri in Ujjain was found by a 1938-39 Gwalior State excavation to be a massive Mauryan-era stupa, estimated to be larger than the Sanchi Stupa and dated to the 3rd century BC via recovered coins and bricks.

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