The historic site of Purana Qila in Delhi stands as the only location in Delhi NCR where the uninterrupted history of Delhi, from the Pre-Mauryan to Mughal period, can be witnessed through the excavated remains. These discoveries serve as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the nation, said Union Minister
G Kishan Reddy during his visit to the historic site of Purana Qila in Delhi to assess the progress of ongoing excavation work.
The site, believed to be the ancient city of Indraprastha, has captivated archaeologists for decades. The excavation has yielded significant findings, offering valuable insights into Delhi’s uninterrupted history spanning over 2500 years.
“This is the sole site in Delhi NCR where one can witness the uninterrupted history of Delhi, from the Pre-Mauryan to Mughal period, through the unearthed remains. The discoveries showcase the rich cultural heritage of our nation,” he said.
The excavation project, which commenced in January 2023, aims to establish a comprehensive chronology of the site. Currently, structures from the early Kushana level have been exposed, reaching a depth of 5.50 metres thus far. The ongoing excavation is expected to provide further insights into the ancient city of Indraprastha.
The excavation has yielded a remarkable assortment of artefacts. Among the notable discoveries are a stone image of Vaikuntha Vishnu, a terracotta plaque of Gaja Laxmi, a stone image of Ganesha, seals and sealings, coins, terracotta figurines depicting humans and animals, beads of various stones, T.C., and a bone needle. These artefacts, along with pottery and other antiquities, provide invaluable insights into the ancient civilization and trade activities that once thrived at the site.
Moreover, the excavation has revealed a continuous existence of human habitation and activities spanning 2500 years, emphasising the historical significance of Purana Qila. A small excavated area has already yielded more than 136 coins and 35 seals and sealings, pointing to the site’s crucial role as a hub for trade activities.
During the visit, Hon’ble Minister of Culture & Tourism and Development of North-East Region, G. Kishan Reddy, unveiled plans for the site’s future. “Purana Qila will be reopened, and the excavated remains will be preserved, conserved, and sheltered. The site will be transformed into an Open Air Site Museum, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich historical legacy of Delhi,” he announced.
Additionally, the excavated remains at Purana Qila are poised to become a major attraction for the delegates attending the upcoming G20 summit, which will convene in Delhi in September 2023. Heads of States and dignitaries will have the opportunity to witness the historical significance of the site firsthand.
Notably, Purana Qila has witnessed multiple excavations in the past. Distinguished archaeologists such as Padma Prof. B.B. Lal conducted excavations in 1955 and 1969-73. Subsequent excavation efforts were led by Dr. Vasant Kumar Swarnkar of the Archaeological Survey of India in 2013-14 and 2017-18. These endeavours have unveiled nine cultural levels, representing different historical periods, including Pre-Mauryan, Mauryan, Sunga, Kushana, Gupta, Post Gupta, Rajput, Sultanate, and Mughal.