Purana Qila Excavation by ASI to Establish a Complete Chronology of the Site

Purana Qila Excavation: Purana Qila, also known as the Old Fort, is a historical fort located in Delhi, India. It is believed to be built on the site of the ancient city of Indraprastha. Purana Qila Excavation is also Important for UPSC Prelims Exam and UPSC Mains Exam (GS Paper 1- Art and Culture).

Purana Qila Excavation in News

Recently, Shri G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister, paid a visit to Purana Qila, a historic site in Delhi, in order to assess the progress of the excavation efforts.

Purana Qila Excavation by ASI

Initiated once again in January 2023, the ongoing excavation at Purana Qila has set out with the objective of establishing a comprehensive timeline for the site. At present, the excavation has uncovered structures from the early Kushana era, with a depth of 5.50 meters achieved thus far. This excavation endeavor holds the promise of revealing additional insights into the intriguing ancient city of Indraprastha.

• The objective of the latest excavation is the exposure and preservation of the trenches that were excavated in the previous years (2013-14 & 2017- 18).
• During the closure of the previous season’s excavation, evidence of layers predating the Mauryan period was found.
• During this season’s excavation, the focus would also be to accomplish the traces of Painted Grey Ware finding in a stratigraphical context.
• Identified as the ancient settlement of Indraprastha, a continuous habitation of 2500 years at Purana Qila was established in earlier excavations.

Purana Qila Excavation Findings

For several decades, the site known as the ancient city of Indraprastha has captivated archaeologists due to its historical significance. The ongoing excavation at this site has yielded remarkable discoveries, shedding light on Delhi’s rich and uninterrupted history that extends back over 2500 years.

• The findings and artifacts unearthed in earlier excavations comprise painted grey ware, belonging to 900 BC, an earthen pottery sequence from Maurya to Shunga, Kushana, Gupta, Rajput, Sultanates, and Mughal periods.
• Excavated Artefacts such as sickles, parers, terracotta toys, kiln-burnt bricks, beads, terracotta figurines, seals and dealings, etc. excavated earlier are now displayed at the Archaeological Museum inside the fort complex.
• These artifacts, along with pottery and other antiquities, offer valuable insights into the ancient civilization and trade activities at the site.

About Purana Qilla

Purana Qila, also known as the Old Fort, is a site of great historical importance located in Delhi.

• Purana Qila, the 16th-century fort, was built by Sher Shah Suri and the second Mughal emperor Humayun.
• The fort is standing on a site with thousands of years of history. Padma Vibhushana Prof. BB Lal also carried out excavation works inside the fort and its premises in the years 1954 and 1969 -73.

Purana Qila Significance

Purana Qila holds significant historical and cultural importance for several reasons:

• Ancient Heritage: Purana Qila is believed to be built on the ruins of the legendary city of Indraprastha, mentioned in the Indian epic Mahabharata. Its association with this ancient city adds to its historical significance.
• Architectural Marvel: The fort showcases a blend of different architectural styles, including Mughal, Afghan, and Hindu. Its impressive walls, gates, and bastions reflect the architectural grandeur of the bygone eras.
• Historical Events: Purana Qila has witnessed several significant historical events. It served as the seat of power for various rulers, including Sher Shah Suri and Humayun. The fort also witnessed the battles and political upheavals of different periods.
• Cultural Center: The fort complex houses several notable structures, such as the Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque, Sher Mandal, and the Archaeological Museum. These attractions provide insights into the cultural and artistic heritage of the region.
• Tourist Attraction: Purana Qila attracts a large number of tourists and history enthusiasts due to its historical significance and architectural splendor. The site offers visitors an opportunity to explore the rich history and experience the grandeur of Delhi’s past.

Conclusion

Overall, Purana Qila’s significance lies in its historical legacy, architectural beauty, cultural importance, and its role as a prominent tourist destination in Delhi.

Red Fort of Delhi 

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