In a captivating twist of events, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has set its sights on the Gevad Valley, nestled along the banks of the Ramganga River in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. The picturesque valley, believed to be a hidden gem, has piqued the interest of ASI experts who suspect the presence of an ancient city buried beneath its soil.
Manoj Saxena, the superintending archaeologist of the Dehradun circle, shared insights into the groundbreaking discovery, stating, “The findings from our survey are highly compelling. We are presently conducting an in-depth survey for a more detailed examination of the valley within the Chaukhutia area. A proposal for excavation is in the process of being prepared.”
The quest for the lost habitation is fueled by the extensive presence of centuries-old temples dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries, built by Katyuri rulers along the 10 km stretch of flat land along the Ramganga. This cluster of temples serves as a historical breadcrumb, indicating the likelihood of a thriving civilization predating the temple construction.
Dr. Chandra Singh Chauhan, the regional state archaeological officer, shed light on the discovery of small ‘devasthanams’ (small temples) in the region, standing one to two feet high. A previous survey in the 1990s unveiled a temple of Vakratundeshvar (Ganesh) from the 9th century and seven other temples of Nath Sampraday. Professor Rakesh Chandra Bhatt, part of the 1993 survey team, recounted, “During the excavation, we found secondary burials, chambers, and big jars containing remains of the dead. Painted pottery and bowls similar to those found in Meerut’s Hastinapur and Bareilly’s Ahichchhatra, dating back to the 1st-5th century BC, were also discovered.”
A significant find in the region was a towering Shivling measuring 1.2 meters in height and approximately 2 feet in diameter. Although the earlier exploration did not reveal signs of human settlement, the discovery hinted at the existence of a lost city “waiting to be discovered.”
As ASI gears up for the impending excavation, the Gevad Valley stands as a promising archaeological site, poised to unveil secrets of an ancient civilization that has long remained hidden beneath the layers of time. The unfolding chapters of this archaeological saga are set to rewrite the history of Uttarakhand, bringing to light a forgotten city that has patiently awaited rediscovery.
