CUTTACK: The ongoing desiltation of the Barabati Fort’s moat has begun to throw up fragments of history. Discovery of a lion statue from within the slush dug out of the moat and a Panchamukhi (five-faced) Hanuman rock idol has spelt excitement not only for the people of the City but also for the archaeologists here. The lion statue is believed to be 700-800 years old. It might have been part of the main fort temple, fragments of which were recovered during excavation of the mound in the fort complex. The rock idol of Lord Hanuman is being studied. The lion statue was discovered on Wednesday night when the slush and silt dug out of the moat were deposited near the Gadgadia Ghat grounds which has been converted into a dumping yard by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC). The labourers, who were smoothening the silt piles, hit something hard and strong. And the lion statue was found. Realising its antiquity and historical importance, it was promptly handed over to the ASI, CMC junior engineer Santosh Kumar Tripathy said. The statue of the lion is stated to be one of the pair that adorned the gate of the temple in the fort. “The statue appears to be of 13-14th century. The archaeologists stationed at the fort for the ongoing restoration of the moat are studying it and would be submitting their report soon,” Superintending Archaeologist of ASI, Orissa, AK Patel said. The Hanuman statue was discovered on Thursday evening under the same circumstances. It was taken out of the slush and moss heaps at the Gadgadia Ghat dumping site. Meanwhile, rumours flew thick and fast that ancient coins and valuables were also recovered. Archaeological interventions in the Barabati Fort that were started in 1989 have led to major findings. Basement remains of a temple, a palace complex and the citadel wall around the palace did exist as substantiated through recovery of hundreds of parts and fragments. The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 13th century and the palace and citadel wall were built in the 15th century. Excavations in different phases have led to recovery of over 300 parts and fragments of the temple. All the structures in the fort are estimated to have been constructed between 13th and 16th century. The CMC had taken up desiltation of the moat under the Renovation of Gadakhai and Integrated Development of Barabati Fort Project that entails revival of the water channel and introduction of boating, water sports and recreational facilities along the circle. The ` 17.24-crore project being carried out jointly by the CMC and the ASI also involves stonewalling over the entire 2.2-km stretch by the latter. Parks and amusement arenas, including food kiosks, would be set up along the moat circle.
Comments
0 comment