Nalasopara is a small suburb of Mumbai. It can be approached by easily by trains. It is a place where only trains are available for transport to distant place. This place is not much known to the people but now it is coming in lime light because of its historic importance. Recently, some of the fragments of rock edicts of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka of 3rd century BC has been discovered. This site is locally known as Buruda Raja ka kotha or buruda Raja fort. This site contains a large circular ruined dome.
In ancient times, it was the largest township on India's west coast, trading with Mesopotamia, Egypt, Cochin, Arabia and Eastern Africa. Proof of Ashokan inscriptions have also been recovered .Buddhist text gives details that is was a prominent Buddhist area. During excavation ruins of a Buddhist Stupa were found. From the center of the stupa (inside a brick built chamber) a large stone coffer was excavated which contained eight bronze images of Maitreya Buddha which belong to the 8th-9th century A.D. The coffer contained a relic caskets, numerous gold flowers and fragments of a begging bowl. A silver coin of Gautamiputra Satakarni was also found.
As this place is now become a historical place, efforts are being taken to recover this site. Living in Nalasopara since so many years, even I had no idea of this site. It’s because of its mention in newspapers now local people are aware of this place. This site still does not have many visitors. There is a lady at this site locally known as mataji who has been taking care of this place since 14 years. When I interviewed her, I got to know that there was a time when Nalasopara was very famous for its sandalwood cultivation. It was started by a follower of Lord Buddha. Before his death he donated all his wealth in the name of Lord Buddha.
Even now this stupa is eroding and no precautions are taken to protect this place. The Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation is looking into this matter. There are now records being kept of the people who visit this place. They are also given a book to help them know more about Lord Buddha and his followers. Recently a statue of lord Buddha is placed here by a monk from Thailand. Being an important place, we can only hope that this site is recovered and maintain because it is important from the point of view of our heritage.
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