Archaeological sites of Chhattishgarh | Chhattisgarh State PSC (CGPSC) Preparation: All subjects - CGPSC (Chhattisgarh) PDF Download

Archaeological Sites of Chhattisgarh

Malhar

• Malhar, a small town in the Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh, holds significant archaeological importance. Located 40 km from Bilaspur, Malhar has been the site of several ancient discoveries. 
• Notable temples found here include the Pataleshwar Temple, Devri Temple, and Dindeshwari Temple. Additionally, ancient deposits, Jain memorials, and a four-handed idol of Vishnu have been uncovered. The remains discovered here date from around 1000 BC to the Ratnapura Kalachuri period, with temples from the 10th and 11th centuries standing out, particularly the Pataleshwar Kedar Temple, known for its Gomukhi Shivling, and the Dindeshwari Temple from the Kalachuri era. 
• Malhar also hosts a museum managed by the Government of India, featuring an impressive collection of ancient sculptures. The site is listed as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Sirpur

• Situated on the banks of the Mahanadi River, Sirpur gained prominence around fifty years ago with the discovery of an inscription referring to a Shiva temple in the area. 
• Archaeological work in the early 2000s revealed findings that transformed the understanding of the region and the evolution of temple architecture in both Central and South India. 
• Among the significant discoveries is a Buddha Vihara, believed to be four times larger than Nalanda University in Bihar, underscoring Sirpur's importance in historical and religious studies.

Tarighat

• The mythological history of Chhattisgarh, located in central India, can be traced back to the times of the Mahabharata and Ramayana. This region is home to numerous significant archaeological sites, historical palaces, forts, and magnificent temples. Chhattisgarh has witnessed the rise and fall of many great dynasties and kingdoms.
• Recent archaeological discoveries in Chhattisgarh suggest that human settlements existed continuously from prehistoric times to the late medieval period. It is believed that the earliest human settlements in Chhattisgarh were established well before they appeared in other parts of the country, although the exact date remains unknown.
• Last year, archaeologists discovered a 2,500-year-old planned city in Tarighat, Chhattisgarh, buried 20 feet underground. The city was equipped with water reservoirs, roads, seals, and coins, and was destroyed by a large fire around the 2nd century BC. Numerous Indo-Greek coins were found at the site, along with over 15 varieties of beads in nearly 2,000 different sizes, styles, and shapes, indicating that Chhattisgarh was an important center for bead manufacturing. Pendants, ornaments, and bangles made of gold, silver, and copper were also unearthed.

Raipur

• Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, has existed since the 9th century, with old fort ruins still visible in the city's southern part. Historically, Raipur was part of the Dakshina Kosala Kingdom and later integrated into the Maurya Empire. In the 4th century CE, Gupta king Samudragupta conquered the region, which remained under Gupta control until the fifth and sixth centuries when the Sharabhpuriya and Nala dynasties ruled. 
• Later, the Somavanshi kings established their reign, with Sirpur as their capital. The brick temple of Lakshman was built by Rani Vasata, the widow queen of Harshgupta of the Somavansh. The Kalachuri dynasty of Tumman later ruled the area, with Ratanpur as their capital, and Raipur became the capital of a Kalachuri branch that controlled Chhattisgarh's forts for an extended period.

Karkabhat

• Karkabhat is a megalithic burial site near Balod, Chhattisgarh. At first glance, the site appears to be a chaotic cluster of large rocks, but closer inspection reveals a deliberate design. 
• The boulders around the menhirs are arranged in a pyramidal structure, peaking at the top. These menhirs are positioned with an incline towards the east or west, suggesting specific cultural or astronomical significance.

Dhanora (District Durg)

• Located 21 km from Balod on the Balod-Dhamtari road, Dhanora is home to around 500 megaliths, excavated by Late M.G. Dikshit in 1956-57. 
• Dikshit classified the megaliths into four types, mostly consisting of menhirs of varying sizes, supported by large boulder buttresses. 
• Excavations revealed human skeleton remains, beads, glass bangles, and even a copper vessel in one of the chambers. Unfortunately, several megalithic monuments have been lost due to quarrying operations in the area.