Archaeological Survey

SARDAR SAROVAR PROJECT :

Archaeology and Anthropology :-

The following monuments and mounds are coming under submergence at E.L. 138.68 m.:-

Monuments :- Shiv Mandir, Bada Barda, Narmadeshwar Mandir, Dehar, Shailotkirna Shilpkhand of Caves, Khujawa, Someshwar Mandir, Khujawa, Shiv Mandir No.3, Khujawa, Koteshwar Mandir (Shankar Mandir), Kothada, Bheelkheda Chhatrees, Dev Pratiling, Shiv Mandir, Bodhwara, Shiv Mandir No.2, Khujawa, Shiv Mandir No.1, Khujawa, Shiv Mandir, Roligaon, Shiv Mandir, Chhoti Kasrawad.

The State Deptt. of Archaeology has been assigned the relocation works of above monuments. The relocation of Shiv Mandir, Bada Barda, Shailotkirna Pritimas of Pipalda Garhi, Shiv Mandir Pipalda Garhi , Narmadeshwar Mandir, Dehar and Shiv Mandir, Roligaon has been completed.

In addition, the following monuments may be affected by backwater:-

Baneshwar Mandir, Navdatoli, Neelkantheshwar Mandir, Chikhilda, Pashupateshwar Mandir, Chikhilda, Kalanjeshwar Mandir, Sewalda, Three Vishal Pratimas, Khujawa, Vilwamiriteshwar Mandir, Dharampuri, Jalaleshwar mandir, Khujawa, Bhawani Mata Mandir, Khujawa, Shailotkirna Pratimas, Pipaldagarhi, Shiv Mandir, Pipaldagarhi, Nageshwar Mandir, Dharampuri.

Mounds (Teelas):-

7 Mounds namely Pracheen teela, Jangarwa, Pracheen teela, Kawathi, Pracheen teela, Chhota Barda, Pracheen teela, Chhoti Kasrawad, Pracheen teela, Navdatoli, Pracheen teela, Kheda and Pracheen teela, Maaru Chichli were to be excavated. Pracheen teela, Jangarwa no longer need to be excavated as it has been washed away due to change in river course of the river. Pracheen Teela, Navdatoli has been excavated by ASI, Nagpur. The remaining five mounds have been excavated by the State Archaeology Department.

The current status of the protection/relocation works in tabular form is presented below:-

INDIRA SAGAR PROJECT :

254 villages had earlier been surveyed for identification of archeological monuments and mounds coming under submergence. Total 10 archeological monuments have been identified for relocation and protection works. The current status of relocation and protection works of these monuments is as follows:

• Shiv Mandir Dharikotla, Chhatri Ghisor and Shailotkirna Pratimas, Daiyat have been relocated.
• Shiv Mandir, Punghat needs no relocation, since its 'Pratikriti' has been constructed. Shiv Mandir, Chandel shall not be submerged, hence needs no relocation. Shiv Mandir, Badkeshwar is a ruined temple and can not be relocated.
• The protection work of Singaji Samadhi, Khandwa, Riddheshwar Mandir, Handia and Joga Fort have been started by NHDC.
• Shiv Mandir, Sarswati Kund, Harsood has been shifted and its relocation works is in progress at Chhanera.
• Total 5 mounds have been identified for excavation work.All these five mounds viz. Pracheen Teela, Navalkheda, Pracheen Teela, Bijalpur Khurd, Pracheen Teela, Gannor, Pracheen Teela, Chhalpa and Pracheen Teela, Gajanpura have been excavated by the State Archeology Department. 

153 statues have already been collected and preserved at Museum at Dewas, Hoshangabad, Khandwa and Bhopal.

Archeological Survey of India has also resurveyed 167 villages for identification of the monuments of archaeological significance. ASI has prepared a plan for protection of monuments coming under submergence of Narmada Sagar Complex area. According to this plan, a well situated in the midst of north bastion of Joga Fort, a centrally protected monument, will be fully submerged at FRL. However, this will remain submerged for 2-3 months during monsoon when reservoir might be at FRL. As far as backwater effect is concerned, the temporary rise due to backwater will be about 0.60 M near will, above HFL. It has been decided that NVDA will carry out the protection works of Joga Fort through NHDC under the guidance of ASI. NHDC has prepared an estimate of 25.00 lacs for constructing protection wall. This plan has been approved by ASI, Delhi. NHDC has been directed to carry out the protection work latest by Sept., 2004.

ANTHROPOLOGY

The Narmada Valley can be divided into three physiographic units (1) Western Vindhyas (2) Narmada through West and South and (3) Western Satpuras. Some Indologists place the Narmada-Chambal civilization of Malwa as a contemporary of Indus civilization. Nevada Toli is a site contemporary to Harappa where evidence of early farming villages were discovered. Findings of a hominoid skull from Hathnora indicated the possibilities of the existence of human bio-cultural remains within the basin. Excavation of the early historic mound in village Khedinama in Hoshangabad district was completed earlier during 1993-94. Ancient tools and artifacts were found. The entire area was scanned by the Archaeological Survey of India under Narmada Salvage Plan and some ancient tools have been found. NVDA has also planned to establish a Center on Religious and Cultural heritage of the Narmada Basin. Initial discussions were held with the experts by the NVDA during the meeting convened for the purpose on 11th July 2003. Decision has been taken to start this Centre in New Narmada Bhawan, located at Arera Hills, Bhopal. Commissioner, Archaeology and Museum, and other experts have been requested to give necessary documents, books, literatures and excavation materials for establishment of this Centre.

After detailed studies, NVDA has prepared a plan for excavation of five sites (mounds) in Dewas and Khandwa Districts. Current status of excavation works on these identified mounds is as follows :

EXCAVATION SITES	STATUS
Bijalpur Khurd, Khandwa	Completed
Chhalpa Kala, Khandwa	Completed
Gajanpur, Dewas	Completed
Nabalpura, Khandwa	Completed
Gannaur, Khandwa	Completed

The State Archaeological Department has carried out excavation work of all the above mounds after taking the permission of ASI.