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Make Sisupalgarh free from encroachments, say archaeologists

Staff Reporter

Archaeological Survey of India seeks transfer of land in its favour

Prof. B. B. Lal first excavated the ancient city of Sisupalgarh in 1948
Several artefacts and urban structure of pre-historic period came to the light

— Photo: Ashoke Chakrabarty

Excavation work in progress at the ancient city of Sishupalgarh in Orissa.

BHUBANESWAR: Close on the heels of researchers coming across more remains indicating existence of a bustling ancient city of Sisupalgarh on the outskirts of capital city, Archeological Survey of India (ASI) is contemplating seeking transfer of land in its favour.

Illegal construction

Speaking to media persons at the excavation site, which was believed to be central location of the ancient city, Joint Director General of ASI Buddha Rashmi Mani on Monday said, “whatever has been found in Sishupalgarh is archeologically very significant. This is high time that the site should be taken over by the department, particularly, wherever the wall of fort city existed.”

Renowned archaeologist Prof. B. B. Lal had first excavated the ancient city of Sisupalgarh in 1948 and then he had referred Sisupalgarh to be a 2000-year-old fortified township.

Nearly 50 years after, two researchers R. K. Mohanty of Pune-based Deccan College and Monica L. Smith of University of California started excavating a portion where they claim to have exposed 18 previously unknown pillars and several associated structures on a mound within the fortification wall. During current excavation several artefacts and urban structure of pre-historic period also came to the light.

“At present we must at least acquire important portions of the area. The State Government must get the land transferred in the name of ASI. Then only, we will have the full control to stop any illegal construction,” Mr. Mani said.

About 15 years back, there was no house within the fortification site, now new habitations started coming up and it happened because the entire land did not belong to ASI, he said.

“People can do farming or agriculture but they cannot construct new structure within 200 metre of ASI declared monument.

These are liable to be demolished,” the Joint Director general said.

Though archaeologists and anthropologists continue to emphasise on the fact that Sishupalgarh is unique, there has been no attempt on part of the State Government to protect and preserve the site. New constructions are coming up within 20 metre to 30 metre distance of monuments. “Entire Sishupalgarh is said to be a fort area. However, land patches have been systematically transferred in the name of private individuals.

The State Government seems to have no interests in it,” former minister Seikh Matlub Ali, who visited the site on Monday, said.

The entire Sishupalgarh, whose area according to archaeologists would be four square km, should be made free from encroachments, he said.

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