PM Modi Highlights French Photos’ Role in Uncovering Kashmir’s Buddhist Past

December 28, 2025

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an inspiring story about Jammu and Kashmir’s glorious cultural and historical heritage in the 129th edition of his monthly radio program, Mann Ki Baat, on Sunday. He recounted how a forgotten Buddhist heritage site in Baramulla, Kashmir, was brought back to light by a blurry old photograph preserved in France.

The Mystery of Jehanpora: Ordinary mounds turn out to be ancient stupas

The Prime Minister said that for years, some high mounds were visible at a place called Jehanpora in Baramulla district.
People ignored them, thinking they were ordinary earthen mounds.

But one day, an archaeologist, noticing their shape, became suspicious and began a serious investigation.

Following this,

The mounds were scientifically studied
Aerial photographs were taken using drones
The land was mapped

The investigation revealed that these mounds were not natural, but the remains of a massive man-made structure.

This is where a new link to Kashmir’s glorious past began to emerge.

Blurry photograph found in France reveals a treasure trove of history

PM Modi revealed that three Buddhist stupas from Baramulla were visible in a blurry black-and-white photograph preserved in a museum in France, thousands of kilometers away from India.

He said:

“This blurred photograph became a medium to uncover Kashmir’s glorious history. It’s as if time took a turn from there, opening doors to a 2,000-year-old past before us.”

Renaissance of a 2,000-year-old identity

The Prime Minister described this discovery as proof of Kashmir’s rich Buddhist heritage.

He said that this site revives Kashmir’s ancient identity, which has brought glory to Indian civilization.

“This Buddhist complex in Jehanpora reminds us how rich and glorious Kashmir’s history has been.” — PM Modi