Ranchi : , A multi-storeyed underground palace of historical significance was discovered during archaeological excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India at Navratangarh, Gumla District in Jharkhand. It is thought that the structure dates back to around five centuries ago and was built during the Naga or Nagavanshi Dynasty.
Many important remains of ancient history have been discovered by excavations conducted by the ASI around and within the palace.Further research will be done by the department to uncover its secrets.
Navratnagarh, which was designated a heritage site for conservation in 2009, has been declared.
Shivkumar Bhagat is the ASI’s Superintending Engineer, and supervising excavation.
He says the current excavation can shed new light on history of Naga/Nagavanshi.
Navratangarh was in Chotanagpur and the place of power for Durjan Sal, the 45th ruler of the Dynasty.
Durjan Sal was the ruler of the kingdom the longest.The evidence so far suggests that he built this fort in 1571.
This fort had 9 floors, and was thus named Navratangarh.This fort’s ruins have been around for many years.
They have always been a curiosity to local tourists as well as historians and archaeologists.
This month excavations began.
It was discovered that the king also had an underground grand palace.Legend has it that the king constructed the palace in order to defend against the Mughal rulers.
The underground palace also contained a secret passageway, which is still being excavated.
Based on the architecture, one can speculate that there was a hidden place where he could store his diamond treasures.
The history of King Durjan Sal who constructed the Navratan Fort has documented him as a diamond connoisseur.There are many tales about his knowledge and expertise with precious stones.
Durjan Sal, a Mughal satrap Ibrahim Khan took Durjan Sal prisoner for not paying tribute.He was held in Gwalior but his knowledge of fine arts and jewels led to him being released 12 years later.
During this time, excavations and surveys are ongoing at this site.They now include monuments like Rani Mahal and Kamal Sarovar as well as Subhadra Balabhadra Temple and Raj Darbar.
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