In a stunning archaeological find, a tunnel system has been uncovered on a 400-meter-high cliff near the river, located just one kilometre from Gobradi village in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district. The site, which consists of two separate passages, has sparked considerable interest among historians, who are eager to investigate its historical significance.
Dr. Chandra Singh Chauhan, head of the Almora Archaeological Department, confirmed, “This discovery holds significant archaeological value.”
He added, “The presence of tunnels and building remains suggests that a fort may have once stood at the site. We will conduct a detailed inspection of the tunnels in Gobradi soon, and only after a comprehensive on-site assessment will we be able to make any conclusive statements.”
Mountaineer and historian Tarun Mahara, along with local villagers, was the first to explore the tunnels. Mahara and his companion, Chandan Karki, descended into the tunnel through a four-foot-wide opening. During their exploration, they uncovered the remains of a large, fort-like structure near the site, as well as the ruins of approximately 30 to 35 smaller houses in the surrounding area.
The villagers revealed that the existence of the tunnel system had been passed down through generations. Armed with torches, cameras, and ropes, Mahara and his team ventured into the tunnels to investigate further.
Mahara described the tunnel as being meticulously carved with chisels and picks. “We descended about 100 meters, but two of the pathways were blocked by large stones. When we attempted to clear the debris, a steam-like smoke began to rise,” he explained.
Locals believe that one end of the blocked tunnel might lead to an ancient palace and a Shiva temple, while the other could stretch toward the river.
The site’s historical importance is thought to be linked to the Katyuri dynasty, which governed the Kumaon region from around 700 to 1200 CE.
The Katyuri dynasty, celebrated for its architectural and cultural contributions, is believed to have left a lasting legacy, with surviving inscriptions and temples that bear testament to their influence. As the first historical rulers of a unified Uttarakhand, the Katyuris played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s history.
Tarun Mahara has informed Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat and District Magistrate Vinod Goswami about the discovery, prompting further research into the site.
The newly uncovered site in Thal-Muwani has quickly become a point of interest, not only for its rich historical significance but also for the intriguing mysteries it continues to present.
