In its quest to find out ‘latest spotting connection to the historical settlement’, the Archaeological survey of India (ASI) carried out its fourth consecutive excavation in Purana Quila on Wednesday.
The fourth excavation is progressing well in the ramparts of the site. Earlier, ASI had carried out three excavations at purana qila in 1954-55,1969 to 1973 and its findings and artifacts are exhibited at the Archaeological Museum, Purana Qila.
Taking to The Pioneer, Site Superintending Engineer, Vasant kumar Swarnkar said “We are doing this excavation to find some historical evidence which are important in archaeology point of view, adding, “The work will be moving on for two or three months. The public will be allowed to view the site. Some precious coins and antiquities had discovered during the excavations,” ASI officer said.
Explaining about findings, the officials said that Painted grey ware, dating 1500 BC, and various objects and pottery signifying continuous habitation from Maurya to Shunga, Kushana, Gupta, Rajput, Sultanates and Mughal periods were the major findings from the three excavations.” said, “A ring well of 4.4 meters below the earth was also discovered in the last excavation, he added.
The engineer also said that since quila is one of the oldest there is still unrevealed tales behind it.
Its present form was built by Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Sur Empire. Sher Shah raised the citadel of Purana Quila with an extensive city-area sprawling around it.
According to historians, it is believed that the Purana Quila was still incomplete at Sher Shah's death in 1545, and was perhaps completed by his Islam Shah although it is not certain which parts were built by whom.
“It may be noted that Purana Quila attracts thousands of visitor every day. Number of visitors are increasing day by day in this beautiful place, the excavation taking now will surely increase the heartfelt connection to this place, that history still alive” said Shivnath Yadav, the in charge of sound and light show conducted by India Tourism Development Cooperation (ITDC). Purana Quila is the venue for the spectacular sound and light show held every evening in capital, Yadav said.