Mansar, situated in Ramtek tehsil of Nagpur district in the Indian state Maharashtra, is a census town. It is an important archaeological site which has revealed several artefacts of the bygone era. It lies at a distance of 5 kilometres towards the west of Ramtek and 45 kilometres towards the northeast of the Nagpur city. Mansar is nestled in at an average altitude of 471 metres above the mean sea level. Mansar belongs to Vidarbh region in Nagpur Division.
In the year 1972, an image of a deity has been unearthed from a hillock in Mansar, which was later identified as Shiva Vamana. The hillock is locally called as Hidimba Tekri. Many excavation works have been carried out at various sites of Mansar since the year 1997 to 1998 under the sponsorship of the Bodhisatva Nagarjun Smarak Samstha Va Anusandhan Kendra, Nagpur. The ventures were however guided by Jagat Pati Joshi and A. K. Sharma. Till date about 5 sites have been excavated at the town which have been designated as MNS 1, MNS 2, MNS 3, MNS 4 and MNS 5.
A number of shrines have been excavated at Mansar, especially at the sites MNS 3, 4, 5 along with a palace complex at MNS 2 which has been identified as Pravarapura, the capital of the Vakataka king Pravarasena II (1st half of 5th century). An extensive temple complex has been revealed adjacent to this palace on Hidimba Tekri which has been identified as Pravaresvara. Underneath one of the terraces of MNS 3, a tall lime model of a human figure in crouching position measuring 3 metres have been found here. Excavations at Mansar have also revealed important 5th century sculptures of Hindu deities along with other significant artefacts and coins.
There is also a water reservoir around the site which has revealed ancient tools and other objects which unfold the fact that a large population were the inhabitants of this place 1600 years ago. These discoveries have made the town one of the most significant archaeological sites in India.
Visiting Information
The nearest railway stations to reach Mansar are Ramtek Railway Station and Amdi Halt Railway Station. However Nagpur Railway Station located at a distance of 36 kilometres serves as the major railhead nearest to Mansar. It also has a good connectivity of roadways which connects the town with nearby cities.
