Historical Purana Qila in the national Capital continues to enthrall archeologists who recently unearthed a range of ancient artifacts such as a spoked copper wheel of Kushana era, an arrowhead of the Rajput period and coins dating from the Mughal reign from the site.

India now plans to showcase this treasure trove of its rich heritage and cultural diversity to foreign delegates during the forthcoming G20 Summit to be held here in September. The fresh round of excavation which began in late January is being led by archaeologist Vasant Swarnkar. This is the third round of excavations at the 16th Century Purana Qila, after excavations in 2013-14 and 2017-18 revealed nine cultural levels, representing different historical periods, including the pre-Mauryan period, Mauryan, Sunga, Kushana, Gupta, post-Gupta, Rajput, Sultanate, and Mughal period. It is one of “rare archaeological sites” in India where layers of history spanning over 2,500 years have been found, Swarnkar said, adding that painted grey wares (PGWs) were found in the first round of excavations in 2013-14.

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy who visited the site on Tuesday morning said, “This is the only site in Delhi-NCR where one can witness the continuous history of Delhi from the pre-Mauryan to Mughal period through the excavated remains. The findings showcase the rich cultural heritage of our country.”   The ongoing excavation, initiated in January 2023, aims to establish a complete chronology of site. Currently, structures from the early Kushana level have been exposed, with a depth of 5.50 meters reached thus far. This excavation is expected to provide further insights into the ancient city of Indraprastha.

The excavation has yielded a remarkable collection of artifacts. Notable findings include a stone image of Vaikuntha Vishnu, a terracotta plaque of Gaja Laxmi, a stone image of Ganesha, seals and sealings, coins, terracotta figurines of humans and animals, beads of various stones, TC, and a bone needle.

These artefacts, along with pottery and other antiquities, offer valuable insights into the ancient civilization and trade activities at the site. Padma Vibhushan Professor BB Lal, who had also carried out excavation works inside the fort and its premises in 1954 and 1969-73, had co-related the finding of PGWs at various sites believed to be linked with the Mahabharata with that period, according to ASI officials.

About the artefacts that have been excavated in the last one month or so, Swarnkar said a "brick platform" and a "kiln" of the Kushana period were found at the site.

A fresh trench has also been dug at the excavation site, Swarnkar added. The Union Ministry of Culture in a statement said that during the closure of the previous season's excavation, "evidence of layers predating the Mauryan period was found."

Identified as an ancient settlement of Indraprastha, a continuous habitation of 2,500 years at Purana Qila was established in earlier excavations, it said. "The findings and artefacts 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," the Ministry had said. Swarnkar said in the first round of excavation at the Purana Qila site, "a ring well, beads and sealings" from the Maurayn era was found, adding, some of the artefacts carry "symbols from that era" but no text, so one cannot ascertain who the Mauryan ruler was.

Among the pre-Mauryan era artefacts, beads and a bead-making set up were unearthed in the previous round of excavation at Purana Qila which was built by Sher Shah Suri and Mughal emperor Humayun. Some artefacts from the modern period have also been dug out from the site. "We have found a British-era shoe polish box. The brand name is 'Parrot' with 'Made in England' printed on its side. Besides, we have also found a tiny porcelain sculpture and a cobblestone-made drain line at the upper level, said Swarnkar.

 Reddy shared that the Purana Qila will be re-opened, and the excavated remains will be preserved, conserved, and provided with a shed. The site will be showcased as an Open Air Site Museum, allowing visitors to experience the rich historical legacy of Delhi.