Archaeologists flag concern over buried Mauryan period assembly hall, demand immediate restoration

Archaeologists are calling for the immediate re-excavation of an 80-pillar assembly hall in Patna, India, where Emperor Ashoka is believed to have held meetings over 2,000 years ago. The hall was first discovered in 1912-13 but was buried in 2004 due to waterlogging. The hall is considered the only evidence of the Mauryan emperors' architectural activities in the region. The demand for restoration comes as draft heritage bye-laws are released for the site of the Palace of Ashoka at Kumhrar.