CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
Recent archaeological excavations at Raigad Fort have uncovered an ancient astrolabe, locally referred to as ‘yantraraj’. This significant find was made possible through a collaboration between the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Raigad Development Authority. The multi-year excavation covered several sites within the fort, unearthing remnants dating back to the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
About Raigad Fort
Raigad Fort is located in the North Konkan region of Maharashtra, perched on the Sahyadri hills and surrounded on three sides by deep valleys. The fort’s strategic position, accessible only via a steep path, made it a formidable stronghold. Originally constructed by Chandraraoji More, a local feudal lord of Jawali, the fort was captured and renamed by Shivaji Maharaj in 1656 CE from its original name, Rairi, to Raigad, meaning “royal fort.” It subsequently served as the capital of the Maratha Empire under Shivaji. Over time, the fort changed hands several times: taken by Fateh Khan of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate in 1707 CE, reclaimed by the Marathas until 1813 CE, and eventually captured by the British in 1818 CE after a cannon assault. Due to its strength and location, Raigad has been dubbed the “Gibraltar of the East.”
Key Structures Of Fort
Chitta Darwaja: The lower entry gate.
Khoob Ladha Burj: A prominent watchtower.
Maha Darwaja: The grand main entrance, flanked by towering 20-meter bastions.
Palkhi Darwaja: The special entrance reserved for queens.
Ranivasa: The queen’s chambers, consisting of six rooms in a row.
Nagarkhana Darwaja: A three-story gate facing the royal throne.
Raj Sadar: A hall used for public court sessions and official meetings.
Water Sources and Places of Worship
Ganga Sagar: A large man-made lake situated below the fort.
Jagadishwar Mandir: A Shiva temple that remains active today.
Samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj: The tomb constructed at the fort after Shivaji Maharaj’s death in 1680 CE.
Excavation Details
The archaeological digs spanned over three to four years, focusing on 10 to 12 different locations including the ropeway upper station, Kushavarta lake, and the marketplace near the Jagadishwar temple. These efforts aimed to recover artefacts from Shivaji Maharaj’s reign. The astrolabe was found near a historic mansion located above Kushavarta lake.
Description Of Astrolabe
The astrolabe discovered is rectangular, crafted from copper-bronze. Its upper surface is inscribed with Sanskrit and Devanagari characters, featuring engravings of two creatures resembling a tortoise or snake. The inscriptions “mukh” and “poonchh” correspond to the head and tail, indicating its use for determining directional orientation, especially north and south.
Historical Significance
Dating back to Shaka 1519, which corresponds to 1597 CE in the Gregorian calendar, the astrolabe likely played a role during renovations of the fort in 1656 and the coronation of Shivaji Maharaj in 1674. This device was vital for navigators and astrologers, aiding in astronomical calculations and seafaring.
Importance Of Find
The discovery highlights the Maratha Empire’s advanced knowledge of astronomy. It also suggests that Raigad Fort’s construction may have incorporated principles of astronomical science. Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, head of the Raigad Development Authority, remarked that the astrolabe might provide valuable insights into Shivaji Maharaj’s administrative methods.
Conservation Efforts
Conservation activities at Raigad Fort have led to the recovery of several artefacts, such as Shivrai coins, glass and clay utensils, weapons, and lamps, which are preserved by the ASI Mumbai Circle. The astrolabe will undergo chemical preservation treatment and will be displayed in a Mumbai museum.
Future Research
Further examination of the astrolabe is expected to deepen understanding of Maratha naval and astronomical expertise. Researchers aim to study its relevance to navigation and governance during Shivaji Maharaj’s era, potentially revealing new knowledge about the technological innovations of that time.
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