Purana Qila Excavation | 02 Jun 2023

Why in News?

The recent excavations by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at Purana Qila (Old Fort) in Delhi have revealed a continuous history spanning over 2,500 years. These excavations are aimed to establish complete chronology of the site.

• Artifacts from various historical periods have been discovered, which revealed 9 cultural levels including Pre-Mauryan, Mauryan, Sunga, Kushana, Gupta, Post Gupta, Rajput, Sultanate, and Mughal.
• The plan is to showcase the findings in an Open Air Site Museum at the fort.

What are the Findings of the Excavation?

• Shards of Painted Gray Ware Pottery:
  • These pottery pieces are typically dated to the period of 1200 BC to 600 BC, indicating the existence of human settlements in the pre-Mauryan era.
• Vaikuntha Vishnu Sculpture:
  • A 900-year-old sculpture of Vaikuntha Vishnu, belonging to the Rajput period, was discovered during the excavation.
• Terracotta Plaque:
  • A terracotta plaque depicting the goddess Gaja Lakshmi, dating back to the Gupta period, was found at the site.
• Terracotta Ring Well:
  • The remains of a well dating back 2,500 years from the Mauryan period were unearthed.
• Sunga-Kushan Period Complex:
  • The excavation revealed a well-defined four-room complex from the Sunga-Kushan period, which dates back approximately 2,300 years.
• Coins, Seals, and Copper Artifacts:
  • More than 136 coins, 35 seals and sealings, and other copper artifacts were discovered at the site. These findings indicate the site's significance as a center for trade activities.

What is Purana Qila?

• Purana Qila is one of the oldest forts belonging to the Mughal era and the site is identified as ancient settlement of Indraprastha (the capital of Pandavas).
• The massive gateway and walls of Purana Qila were built by Humayun in the 16^th century and the foundation was laid for the new capital, Dinpanah.
• The work was carried forward by Sher Shah Suri, who displaced Humayun.
• The major attractions inside the fort are the Qila-i-Kuhna mosque of Sher Shah Suri, Sher Mandal (a tower, which is traditionally associated with the death of Humayun), a stepwell and the remains of the extensive rampart, which has three gates.
• The unique features of Indo-Islamic architecture like horseshoe-shaped arches, bracketed openings, marble inlay, carving etc are very prominent in the structure.
  • The mosque has an inscription which says, 'As long as there are people on this earth, may this edifice be frequented, and people will be happy in it.'

Source: TH