Temple stairs, inscription from Gupta period discovered in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah

In a breakthrough excavation, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has made some priceless discoveries. The ASI has found temple stairs and inscriptions belonging from the Gupta period in Bilsar of Etah district in Uttar Pradesh. ASI made the huge discovery in its Agra Circle during scientific cleaning at the protected site in Etah.

The inscription found here belongs to the 5th century. It possibly says Sri Mahendraditya, who is identified as Kumaragupta of the Gupta dynasty.
ASI took to Twitter and said.

“Breakthrough discovery by @ASIGoI’s Agra Circle - Stairs leading to Gupta period temple were found through scientific cleaning at the protected site of Bilsarh, Etah. An inscription in Shankh lipi on one of the steps, datable to 5th century CE, Gupta period, possibly reading “Sri Mahendraditya..”, identified as Kumargupta of the Gupta dynasty has been unearthed".

Breakthrough discovery by @ASIGoI's Agra Circle - Stairs leading to Gupta period temple were found through scientific cleaning at the protected site of Bilsarh, Etah. @MinOfCultureGoI @kishanreddybjp @KishanReddyOfc pic.twitter.com/ILSDZITVLa

— Archaeological Survey of India (@ASIGoI) September 8, 2021

On Thursday, Vasant Swarnkar, superintending archaeologist of Agra circle, informed that there is a protected site in the village of Bilsad near Aliganj, Etah. The place is said to be the site of a temple built during the Guptas. The team later discovered two pillars during excavation on which there is an inscription about the powerful ruler Kumargupta in sankh lipi (conch script or shell script).

He further said that when they excavated more to know the depth of the two pillars, the team traced a well-finished stair and then three more stairs. It was an indication of the entrance to a temple.