New Excavations At Delhi’s Purana Qila:
New excavations at Delhi’s Purana Qila (Old Fort) have uncovered evidence of a pre-Mauryan era settlement.
- The ongoing excavation aims to establish a complete chronology of the site and provide further insights into the ancient city of Indraprastha.
- The site is considered significant as it may have been the location of Indraprastha mentioned in the Mahabharat.
- The findings include pottery shards dating back to around 1200 BC to 600 BC, a 2,500-year-old ring well from the Mauryan era, and a four-room complex believed to be 2,300 years old.
- Nine cultural levels, representing different historical periods including the pre-Mauryan period
- The excavations have also revealed coins, seals, and other artefacts, indicating the site’s role as a trade centre.
- The stone image of Vaikuntha Vishnu, a terracotta plaque of Gaja Laxmi, a stone image of Ganesha, terracotta figurines of humans and animals, beads of various stones, a bone needle etc.
- Purana Qila is the oldest fort in Delhi, located on the banks of the Yamuna River.
- It is believed to have been built by the Pandavas for their kingdom Indraprastha.
- Mughal Influence Renovated by Emperor Humayun in 1533, it took five years to complete.
- Dinpanah The fort was constructed within Dinpanah, a small city in Delhi.
- Sher Shah Suri’s Reign Sher Shah Suri captured the fort in 1540 and made several additions, naming it Shergarh.
