Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate several development projects worth crores in Vadnagar, Mehsana, on January 16. The projects include the Archaeological Experience Museum (Puratatva Anubhav Sangrahalay), Prerna Sankul, and a modern Sports Complex.

Research efforts led by top institutions, including IIT Kharagpur, IIT Guwahati, IIT Gandhinagar, and IIT Roorkee, are underway to explore further and highlight the historical and cultural significance of the ancient city of Vadnagar.

Excavations by the Gujarat Archaeological Department revealed the remains of a Buddhist monastery in the city. 

2,500-year-old historical journey

The Union Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the state Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, developed the museum to present Vadnagar's multi-layered cultural history through artefacts discovered during excavations. The museum spans over 2,500 years of human evolution and is directly linked to an active excavation site by a bridge.

Built at an estimated cost of ₹298 crore, this four-story structure covers around 12,500 sq m. It houses more than 5,000 artefacts that showcase the city’s ancient history and cultural wealth. The museum offers an immersive experience with audio-visual films and interactive exhibits.

The museum also boasts 9 thematic galleries highlighting art, sculptures, and the linguistic heritage of the region across various historical periods.

A project built at a cost of ₹72 crore, Prerna Sankul school aims to inspire youth to follow the educational path with a curriculum developed by IIT Gandhinagar icluding 9 value-based subjects.

Sports complex

Shah will inaugurated sports complex in Vadnagar built at a cost of ₹33.50 crore, including indoor sports amenities and outdoor facilities, such as an 8-lane, 400-meter synthetic athletic track, an astroturf football field, and dedicated spaces for kabaddi, kho-kho, and volleyball. Construction of a hostel is also underway, providing accommodation for 100 boys and 100 girls. 

During his visit to Vadnagar, Shah will visit the historic Hatkeshwar Temple which is a 17th-century temple, dedicated to Hatkeshwar Mahadev, the ancestral deity of the Nagar Brahmins.