Kurkihar hoard

The Kurkihar hoard is a collection of more than 200 bronze objects buried deep underground and now held mainly at the Patna Museum. The artifacts include statues, bells, and ritual objects that show the metalworking skill of craftspeople in this region.

The collection dates from the 9th to 12th century and was uncovered in 1847 by a European explorer. The discovery shows how important this location was for religious communities during medieval times.

The bronzes feature Buddhist and Hindu figures that were stored in earthen containers, reflecting the religious beliefs people held during medieval times. These objects reveal how different faiths coexisted and were practiced in the same region.

Most of the bronzes can be seen at the Patna Museum, which welcomes visitors interested in ancient metalwork. It is worth checking ahead whether guided tours or special information about this collection is available.

Many of the bronzes bear inscriptions mentioning a monastery called Apanaka and reveal surprising links to distant places like Bali and Malaysia. These clues suggest that religious and trading networks stretched across vast distances.