PATNA: As the excavation work has progressed on Patna Museum premises, the expert team is hopeful of unearthing some ancient ruins and artefacts of historical importance. The excavation project was kicked off on June 21 with the support of Bihar Heritage Development Society under the art and culture department.
During the live excavation which is open for visitors, the team has found some modern era objects like clay pottery, red ware bricks and ‘awwa’ (roof tile), all dated back less than 100 years. The archaeologists said that once they will start digging deeper, they will surely find some antique objects and old structures.
According to the museum’s additional director Vimal Tiwari, all the objects found in the excavation have been kept in a platform for public viewing. “The experts have been digging soil at two different locations inside the museum premises. One is under a tree in a garden on the southern side while another close to the wall of main building on the south-eastern side. All the modern era objects, not older than 100 years, have been found at a 10x10 feet trench near the main building,” he said. “We have not yet found anything that is of historical significance but we are sure to unearth some artefacts and ruins as the exploration will further progress. Earlier, ancient bricks of Mauryan and Kushan period and terracotta potteries and small balls estimated to be dating back to 2,500-3,000 years were discovered at the museum premises. We are expecting to find some structures of that period buried underneath,” Tiwari told this newspaper.
He added, “The team is still in the initial phase of excavation. So far, we have dug the soil up to 60-70cm due to the challenges owing to the monsoon. The excavation project will go on till we reach the virgin or natural soil.” The officials said that in the live excavation, the experts dust off excavated objects and exhibit them to visitors. The initiative would ensure public interest in excavation and restoration of historical structures.
