Searching for Indraprastha

Under the Ministry of Tourism's 'Adopt a Heritage' initiative, the Sabhyata Foundation of the Dalmia Group has taken on the responsibility of maintaining and operating the Purana Qila, promoting sustainable tourism at the site.

1. The foundation envisions the monument as 'Indraprastha and the Mahabharata'.
2. Purana Qila was built by Mughal emperor Humayun.
3. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is going to start the 7th phase of excavation at the site to find evidence of the fort's connection with the ancient site of Indraprastha and the Mahabharata.

Findings in 2014 and Significance of Painted Grey Ware:

1. In 1954, archeologist B.B. Lal conducted the first excavation of the site.
2. In 2014, a significant discovery of grey pottery rolled up inside a piece of soft white cotton cloth was made.
3. The pottery, known as Painted Grey Ware (PGW), establishes a link between the site and the ancient city of Indraprastha.
4. PGW is a fine, smooth, and grey-colored pottery produced using specific firing techniques. It features geometric patterns in black or deep chocolate brown, primarily found in bowls and dishes.
5. PGW is dated between approximately 1100 BCE and 500/400 BCE, matching the estimated timeframe for the composition of the Mahabharata.
6. Notably, PGW forms the lowest cultural deposit in other Mahabharata-related sites excavated by B.B. Lal, including Hastinapur, Tilpat, and Kurukshetra, suggesting a connection between Purana Qila and the epic.
7. B.B. Lal firmly established the association of PGW with the Mahabharata period.
8. The Purana Qila excavation provides evidence of continuous habitation in Delhi from 1200 BCE to the present day.

Diverse Perspectives on the Connection:

1. While the presence of PGW suggests a link to the Mahabharata, some archeologists hold a different view.
2. They emphasise the lack of conclusive evidence to prove the actual occurrence of the events described in the epic.

Historical Context of Indraprastha:

1. Indraprastha, mentioned in ancient Indian literature, was the capital city of the Kuru Kingdom.
2. During the Mauryan period, Indraprastha was known as Indapatta, serving as the capital of the Kuru Mahajanapada.
3. Modern historians generally agree that the city was located in the region of present-day New Delhi, particularly the area known as Purana Qila.
4. The Kuru kingdom emerged during the Middle Vedic period (1200 BCE), including parts of modern-day Haryana, Delhi, and western Uttar Pradesh, and declined in importance during the late Vedic period (900-500 BCE).
5. The archaeological Painted Grey Ware culture corresponds to the Kuru kingdom's existence.

 

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