Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) begins excavation at Balirajgarh in Bihar

Key facts

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has commenced a large-scale scientific excavation at the Balirajgarh site in the Madhubani district of Bihar.
• The site is believed to have served as a major administrative hub of the ancient Videha Kingdom and the legendary capital of King Bali.
• The ASI Patna Circle aims to reach the virgin soil to determine the exact beginning of human settlement and verify if the site predates the Mauryan era.
• The excavation will investigate the cultural continuity across five distinct phases: Mauryan (NBPW), Sunga, Kushan, Gupta, and Pala periods.
• The site features a massive brick fortification spanning approximately 176 acres and was declared a protected site by the ASI in 1938.
• Modern tools, including satellite imagery and systematic mapping, are being utilised to identify high-interest areas and navigate technical hurdles like high water tables.
• Previous explorations at the site have yielded historical artefacts such as punch-marked coins, terracotta figurines, copper objects, and bone tools.