Delhi’s Purana Qila, also known as the Old Fort, has recently witnessed a fresh round of excavations, shedding light on the continuous historical significance of the city since the pre-Mauryan era. These excavations, the third of their kind, began in January and have unearthed fascinating artifacts and structures from various periods of history. The previous excavations conducted in 2013-14 and 2017-18 have already provided valuable insights into Delhi’s past.

Nine Cultural Levels Revealed

Through the recent excavations at Purana Qila, nine cultural levels have been uncovered, each representing a different historical period. These levels include the pre-Mauryan, Mauryan, Sunga, Kushana, Gupta, post-Gupta, Rajput, Sultanate, and Mughal eras. These findings provide a comprehensive timeline of Delhi’s rich history, showcasing its evolution over several centuries.

Key Findings

The excavations have yielded a range of fascinating artifacts that offer glimpses into different historical periods:

  1. Painted Gray Ware Pottery: Shards of this pottery, typically dated from 1200 BC to 600 BC, have been discovered, providing evidence of Delhi’s ancient roots.
  2. Vaikuntha Vishnu Sculpture: A remarkable 900-year-old sculpture of Vaikuntha Vishnu from the Rajput period has been unearthed, adding to the artistic heritage of the region.
  3. Terracotta Plaque of Goddess Gaja Lakshmi: Dating back to the Gupta period, a terracotta plaque depicting the Goddess Gaja Lakshmi has been discovered, reflecting the religious and artistic practices of the time.
  4. Mauryan Terracotta Ring Well: Structural remains of a 2,500-year-old terracotta ring well from the Mauryan period have been found. This remarkable well stands as a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the era.
  5. Sunga-Kushan Complex: The excavation has also unveiled a well-preserved four-room complex from the Sunga-Kushan period, dating back 2,300 years. This structure provides insights into the architectural styles and daily life of that era.
Purana Qila: A Historical Marvel

Purana Qila, or the Old Fort, holds a significant place in Delhi’s history. The excavations at this site have unveiled traces from the 3rd century BC, indicating its existence during the pre-Mauryan period. Many historians believe it to be the location of Indraprastha, the ancient city mentioned in the Mahabharata.

Rebuilding and Renovations

The present form of Purana Qila was re-built during the reign of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, and Sur Emperor Sher Shah Suri. Humayun undertook the renovation of the fort in 1533 and completed it five years later, during his rule over Din Panah, the city’s inner citadel. Following Humayun’s defeat in 1540 by Sher Shah Suri, the fort was renamed Shergarh and expanded with additional structures during Sher Shah Suri’s five-year reign.

Important Points:

  • Excavations at Purana Qila, Delhi’s Old Fort, have uncovered evidence of the city’s continuous history since the pre-Mauryan era. 🏰🔎
  • Nine cultural levels representing different historical periods have been revealed through the excavations, providing a comprehensive timeline of Delhi’s history. 📜⏳
  • Important findings include:
    • Shards of Painted Gray Ware pottery dating back to 1200 BC to 600 BC. 🏺🖌️
    • A 900-year-old Vaikuntha Vishnu sculpture from the Rajput period. 🗿👑
    • A terracotta plaque depicting Goddess Gaja Lakshmi from the Gupta period. 🪶🌸
    • Structural remains of a 2,500-year-old Mauryan terracotta ring well. 🏺💧
    • A well-preserved four-room complex from the Sunga-Kushan period, dating back 2,300 years. 🏛️🌅
  • Purana Qila is one of Delhi’s oldest forts, believed to have existed since the 3rd century BC, potentially as Indraprastha from the Mahabharata. 🏯📚
  • The fort was re-built by Emperor Humayun and expanded by Emperor Sher Shah Suri during their respective reigns. 🏗️👑
  • The recent excavations contribute to a better understanding of Delhi’s historical narrative and cultural heritage. 🧐🌍
Why In News

A fresh round of excavations at the site of Delhi’s Purana Qila (Old Fort) have revealed remarkable artifacts and structures, shedding light on the unbroken historical legacy of the city dating back to the pre-Mauryan era. These findings provide invaluable insights into the rich cultural and architectural evolution of Delhi over thousands of years, further cementing its status as a historical treasure trove.

MCQs about Delhi’s Purana Qila

  1. What significant historical period is associated with Purana Qila?
    A. Pre-Mauryan period
    B. Mughal period
    C. Gupta period
    D. Sultanate period
    Correct Answer: A. Pre-Mauryan period
    Explanation: Purana Qila has evidence of continuous history since the pre-Mauryan era, making it a significant historical site.
  2. Which artifact from the excavations belongs to the Rajput period?
    A. Terracotta ring well
    B. Painted Gray Ware pottery
    C. Vaikuntha Vishnu sculpture
    D. Sunga-Kushan complex
    Correct Answer: C. Vaikuntha Vishnu sculpture
    Explanation: The 900-year-old Vaikuntha Vishnu sculpture is from the Rajput period, representing the artistic heritage of that era.
  3. What does the Painted Gray Ware pottery found at Purana Qila signify?
    A. It represents Delhi’s ancient roots.
    B. It is a religious artifact.
    C. It is from the Mughal period.
    D. It dates back to the Sunga-Kushan period.
    Correct Answer: A. It represents Delhi’s ancient roots.
    Explanation: The shards of Painted Gray Ware pottery found during the excavations provide evidence of Delhi’s ancient roots, dating back to around 1200 BC to 600 BC.

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