ASI Grants Approval for Excavation at Ancient Balirajgarh Fort in Bihar
Patna: In a significant development for archaeological research in Bihar, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has officially approved excavation work at the remains of the ancient Balirajgarh fort in Madhubani district. This announcement was made by JD(U) national executive president and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Jha on Friday, marking a pivotal moment for the exploration of this historically rich site.
Historical Significance and Protected Status
Balirajgarh, locally known as Raja Bali ka Garh, is deeply intertwined with the legend of King Bali from the Ramayana. It stands as one of the 71 centrally protected sites of national importance in Bihar under the ASI's Patna circle. The site, sprawling over 176 acres, was first identified in 1884 by George Abraham Grierson, who served as the Madhubani sub-divisional magistrate at the time.
During the last day of the Bihar legislative assembly's budget session, Babubarhi MLA Meena Kumari highlighted the fort's potential, urging the government to develop it into a premier tourist destination with adequate facilities. However, Tourism Minister Arun Shankar Prasad noted that the site's protected status under the ASI restricts the state government from undertaking any development work directly.
Location and Previous Discoveries
Located approximately 260 kilometers north of Patna and 38 kilometers from the Madhubani district headquarters, the fort has a storied past dating back to the 2nd century BC, with evidence of continued use through the Pala period. Previous excavations in 2014 unearthed around 400 antiquities, including terracotta human and animal figurines, beads, bangle fragments, and parts of ceilings, offering a glimpse into the ancient civilization that once thrived there.
Official Approval and Excavation Details
The ASI's decision was formalized in a letter dated February 20 from the director (archaeology) to the superintending archaeologist of the Patna circle. The letter approves the "archaeological works code for conducting excavation at the remains of ancient fort of Garh, locally known as Raja Bali ka Garh, Balirajgarh... as per the area to be excavated duly marked in red colour on the attached site plan."
Key stipulations in the letter include:
- A complete list of antiquities found during the excavation must be submitted to the ASI office.
- A detailed report of the excavation results is required within three months of completing fieldwork.
- The approval is valid for one year from the date of issue.
Political Advocacy and Future Prospects
Sanjay Jha expressed immense joy over the ASI's approval, revealing that he had been in constant communication with the secretary of the Union Ministry of Culture and the ASI director general to push for this initiative. He emphasized that the excavation, to be conducted under the direction of Dr. Hari Om Sharan, superintending archaeologist of the ASI Patna circle, holds the full potential to shed new light on the ancient civilization, culture, and glorious past of the Mithila region.
This scientific excavation is expected to not only enhance our understanding of Bihar's historical landscape but also bolster efforts to preserve and promote its archaeological heritage for future generations.
