Purana Qila Excavation Reveals Pre-Mauryan Era Evidence: Painted Gray Ware Pottery Unearthed.
Image Courtesy: The Indian Express
Excavations at Delhi's Purana Qila have brought forth significant evidence of the city's continuous history since the pre-Mauryan era. The recent findings encompass various artifacts, such as fragments of Painted Gray Ware pottery dating back to approximately 1200 BC to 600 BC. These discoveries have sparked interest, as the site is being considered for hosting an event during the G-20 leadership summit in September. Many believe Purana Qila to be the ancient city of Indraprastha mentioned in the Mahabharata. Among the newly unearthed items is a 900-year-old Vaikuntha Vishnu sculpture from the Rajput period, a terracotta plaque depicting Goddess Gaja Lakshmi from the Gupta period, remnants of a 2,500-year-old Mauryan ring well, and a well-preserved four-room complex dating back 2,300 years from the Sunga-Kushan period.
Additionally, numerous beads, seals, copper coins, and bone needles have been discovered, showcasing the site's importance as a trade center. The ongoing excavations, conducted in 2013-14, 2017-18, and the current round, have unveiled nine cultural layers representing various historical periods. Culture Minister G. Kishan Reddy expressed optimism about reopening Purana Qila in the near future.
Comments