Asurgarh fort: Buried under neglect

Expressbuzz, Jan 20, 2010
Uma Shankar Kar

BHAWANIPATNA: Negligence on the part of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to preserve the remnants of Asurgarh in Kalahandi district has triggered widespread resentment among history-lovers and intellectuals. Asurgarh, an ancient metropolis, is considered contemporaneous to Ujjain, Ahichatra, Kosambi, Sisupalagarh and other ancient Indian cities, but it remains unexcavated.


After a large number of punchmarked silver and copper coins of Mourya, pre-Mourya and post- Mourya periods were found from Asurgarh fort area in 1966, a trial excavation was done by eminent historian Prof. Nabin Kumar Sahu on behalf of Sambalpur University in 1973. Later, ASI declared the fort a protected monument, pitched a sign board and appointed two guards.

Sahu inferred from the discoveries that these belonged to the period from 4th century BC to 5th century AD.

The place of Asurgarh in Indian archaeology, history, and culture is very significant, say archaeologists. The fort, antiquities like varieties of beads, iron objects, black and red ware and ornaments speak volumes about its importance. It was considered an emporium of bead-making and trading and its hydraulic system was considered unique. The fort was planned in a rectangular pattern as per Kautalyan principles of ‘Durgabidhana’ and ancient Indian geometrical formula.

The main fortification spreads over 12 hectares. There was also external fortification which is now in ruins. At present, the height and width of the fortified wall measure 11 m x 7.5 m and the encircled moat measures 36 m in width. A stone barrage constructed over the Udanty river to provide controlled water to the fortified area and the moat still exists.

Despite it, Asurgarh is yet to be excavated horizontally nor is it preserved scientifically.

Dr Akhaya Kumar Nanda, convener of Kalahandi Vision 2020, an apolitical intellectual forum, deplored the sorry state of affairs and lamented that ASI is a mute spectator to the fading away of this ancient metropolitan centre by limiting its activities to erecting a sign board and appointing two guards.

He demanded preservation of Asurgarh by the ASI and conduct horizontal excavation to unearth the treasure trove of history.