The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to reignite its quest for Indraprastha, the mythical capital of the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata, with renewed excavations at Purana Qila, one of Delhi’s most storied archaeological sites. Scheduled to commence in October, this new phase of excavation will focus on expanding the investigation around the Kunti Temple area, an effort bolstered by recent approvals from the ASI Headquarters.
The upcoming excavation will introduce new trenches in the west and north directions of the already explored site, a strategic move designed to delve deeper into unexplored areas. Prior to the physical excavation, a cutting-edge Lidar survey will be employed. This technology uses laser scanning to create precise, three-dimensional maps of the site, allowing archaeologists to detect and map buried structures and artefacts with enhanced accuracy. The use of Lidar was recommended by the Union Ministry of Culture two years ago to improve the efficiency of archaeological investigations.
The 2022 excavations at Purana Qila, particularly at the Sher Mandap site, yielded evidence from the Mauryan period but did not definitively connect these finds to Indraprastha or the Mahabharata. Despite this, significant artifacts were uncovered, including Painted Grey Ware (PGW) pottery. These ceramics, characterized by their fine grey texture and geometric designs, date from around 1100 BCE to 500/400 BCE, a period that corresponds with the composition of the Mahabharata.
The 2022 digs also revealed a variety of cultural layers, with discoveries ranging from the pre-Mauryan to the Mughal periods. Noteworthy finds included a 900-year-old Rajput era statue of Vaikunth Vishnu Bhagwan, a terracotta statue of Gajalakshmi from the Gupta period, and various coins and seals inscribed in Brahmi script. In addition, the excavation near Sher Mandal uncovered structural remains predating the Shunga-Kushan period, a terracotta well, an advanced drainage system, and numerous copper coins.
Purana Qila stands as a unique archaeological site due to its potential links to the Mahabharata. It is the only site in Delhi directly associated with the epic’s narrative. Over six previous excavation campaigns have explored various layers of the site’s history, revealing evidence of nine distinct cultural periods. This rich tapestry includes remains from the pre-Mauryan, Mauryan, Shunga, Kushan, Gupta, Rajput, Sultanate, and Mughal periods.
The discovery of PGW pottery in 2014 was particularly significant, offering a tangible connection to the Mahabharata period. ASI excavation director Vasant Swarnkar hailed this find as “a most valuable discovery,” highlighting its importance in contextualizing the ancient epic within historical timelines.
The ASI’s renewed excavation efforts are expected to provide deeper insights into the ancient city of Indraprastha. Ajay Verma, CEO of Heritage and Events at the Sabhyata Foundation, has articulated a vision for Purana Qila that includes creating a compelling narrative around its historical significance. Verma’s plans involve developing tourist events, museums, interpretation centers, and heritage walks focused on the Mahabharata. While Humayun’s construction of the fort is well-documented, Verma points to evidence suggesting a significant Pandava influence, further entwining Purana Qila with its epic heritage.
