Excavation of very ancient city at Mansar

In 1972, an image of a deity, later identified as Shiva Vamana, was found from a hillock in Mansar, locally known as Hidimba Tekri. Important excavations were carried out at the ancient sites of Mansar from 1997-98 under the aegis of the Bodhisatva Nagarjun Smarak Samstha Va Anusandhan Kendra, Nagpur and under the directions of Jagat Pati Joshi and A. K. Sharma. So far 5 sites have been excavated in Mansar, designated as MNS 1, MNS 2, MNS 3, MNS 4 and MNS 5.

These excavations have resulted in the discovery of various shrines (MNS 3, 4, 5) and a palace complex (MNS 2), identified as Pravarapura, the capital of the Vakataka king Pravarasena II (1st half of 5th century). Adjacent to this palace, on Hidimba Tekri (MNS 3), an extensive temple complex was identified as Pravareśvara. A 3 m tall lime model of a male human figure in a crouching position was found underneath one of the terraces of MNS 3. Significant 5th-century sculptures of Hindu deities, artefacts, and some coins were discovered during the excavations.

The water reservoir around the site and findings of ancient tools and other objects point to the fact that a large population inhabited the area 1600 years ago.