Recent archeological excavation in Kapilvastu by Ismeo

In the 1980s, the Istituto italiano per il Medio ed Estremo Oriente (ISMEO) carried out excavations in Nepal in cooperation with the Lumbini Development Trust. In Gotihawa, these excavations were conducted around the Ashokan pillar and stupa which were erected during Mauryan times. They have revealed, among other things, fragments of cord- or mat-impressed ware of Neolithic tradition. In Sisania, the examination of surface materials has provided evidence for the presence of a large craft centre during the time of the Kushan Empire.