A date with history in lower Shivaliks
Ruchika M. Khanna

THE sleepy hamlets in the lower Shivaliks are abounding with archaeologically significant sites. A number of items of archaeological interest have been found in the Morni Hills-Pinjore-Nalagarh-Kalka belt and in the over 300 boulis located in and around Panchkula. Inhabitants of these villages have even displayed these centuries-old artefacts on the outer walls of their houses.

Officials in the Directorate of Archaeology, Haryana, mention that till date five important archaeological sites, dating back to the ancient and medieval periods, have been discovered in this region. While two sites — Ratthpur and the Bhima Devi temple in Pinjore — were discovered in 1974, another ancient site was discovered in Mandana in 1986. Inhabitants of Morni also found certain ancient stone pillars in Tikkar Taal in 1992, which are believed to belong to the Gupta Period (between the 8th century AD and the 12th century AD).

Recently, remains of an ancient temple built in panchayatan style were discovered by villagers on the outskirts of Rampur Jangi village, near Pinjore. The temple was excavated three feet below the ground, when villagers were digging to lay the foundation stone for a new temple in August.

The temple, it is believed, was built more than 1100 years ago. The excavations found dismantled pieces of what appears to be the main gate as well as pillars of the temple, which is similar to the 9th-century Bhima Devi temple excavated in Pinjore.

The excavated parts of this temple included stone pillars, carvings and statues of apsaras and five copper pots. The Department of Archaeology registered 54 pieces unearthed from the site. These items, in possession of the department, are being chemically treated to discover the exact age of the temple.

Archaeologists are of the view that both these temples could have been built between the 8th century and the 12th century. It was during that time that the art of iconography had developed to a great extent. Also, the architectural style is typical of that period, says a senior archaeologist of the Directorate of Archaeology, Haryana. He says the temples were destroyed by Muslim invaders, who came here between the 10th and 11th century. "We presume the temples were not only destroyed, but their remains were also dispersed — which explains why these architectural members are found scattered all over the lower Shivalik belt," he adds.

The stones, found in the region, most likely formed the outer walls of the temples. These have beautiful carvings, which have traces of Gandharba art. In fact, the images of gods, goddesses, apsaras, etc, excavated are quite similar to those found in the Khajuraho temple in Madhya Pradesh and the Konark temple in Orissa.

Since these stones bear symbols of trishul, shankh and aashtham, the locals believe that this panchayatan temple must have been dedicated to Lord Shiva as the main deity. Most temples unearthed here have Lord Shiva’s image on what appears to be the main entrance.

The Directorate of Archaeology, however, is unwilling to explore these sites further. "Excavations or scientific clearance is taken up where not much is known about the history pertaining to that period. Since there are already a lot of studies relating to the ancient and medieval ages from this region, it is not desirable to spend our limited resources (labour, finances) on such excavations, " says a senior official in the Directorate.