Photos: This Meerut finding may lead to pillar installed by Ashoka

For years, the remains lay unnoticed in the midst of the bustling city of Meerut. -TNN

After the Meerut circle of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was created just last year, the remains have been identified as those of a Mauryan-period brick platform going back over 2,000 years. -TNN

A large part of the structure is in the form of a 30m by 35m platform at Vikas Puri. -TNN

The ancient site is undoubtedly one from the Mauryan period because the bricks are typical of the era. -TNN

The dimensions of the bricks are unique to the Mauryan period -- 42cm x 26cm x 8cm. -TNN

An ancient canal route in Meerut that, most likely, connects to the Kali river has also been found. -TNN