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Nagpur District: An Archaeological Hotspot

Archaeological Sites of Nagpur District
Archaeological Sites of Nagpur District

Nagpur district holds secrets beneath its soil that tell a story stretching back thousands of years.


Every layer of earth uncovered by archaeologists has revealed something remarkable, silent witnesses to civilisations long gone.

From ancient burial sites to medieval fortifications, each discovery has reshaped what is known about this region’s past.


While the city rapidly expands with modern infrastructure, the past lingers just beneath, waiting to be explored. What secrets does Nagpur still hold, buried deep in its land?



Ancient Stone Circles and Burial Sites


Nagpur’s landscape is dotted with ancient burial sites and stone circles, remnants of a time when early inhabitants laid their dead to rest with rituals that suggest a deep connection to their beliefs.


These sites, primarily from the Iron Age (1000 BCE – 300 CE), have been subjects of study for over a century, with discoveries revealing evidence of metalworking, pottery, and burial traditions.
Junapani stone circles
Junapani stone circles

The Junapani stone circles, located about 10 km northwest of Nagpur, were first documented by J.H. Rivett-Carnac in 1879.


He identified multiple circular stone arrangements, which were later confirmed to be megalithic burial sites. Excavations unearthed iron weapons, pottery, and skeletal remains, indicating that the people of the region had developed iron tools and followed structured funerary practices. The presence of cup marks on some of the stones suggests that they may have had a ritualistic or astronomical significance.



Gorewada Megalithic Burial Site
Gorewada Megalithic Burial Site

Another major discovery took place at Gorewada, where a megalithic burial site was excavated in 2019. Archaeologists found four human skeletons, buried with pottery and objects that hinted at a belief system surrounding death and the afterlife.


The careful positioning of the remains and associated artefacts linked the site to similar megalithic traditions found across India.


At Bela village in Umred tehsil, a site was identified in 2018 that stood out because it contained both burial and habitation remains. This dual-purpose settlement is rare, as most megalithic sites are typically only burial grounds. Excavations revealed pottery and structural remnants, confirming that the area had been occupied for an extended period.



Kalambha Megalithic Stones
Kalambha Megalithic Stones

The Kalambha burial site, another important find in Nagpur district, was investigated in the early 21st century. Archaeologists identified four megalithic stone circles featuring cup marks, similar to those found at Junapani.


The precise meaning of these markings is still debated, but their repeated presence suggests that they played an important role in burial customs.


Each of these sites, Junapani, Gorewada, Bela, and Kalambha, adds a new layer to the understanding of Nagpur’s distant past. The discoveries confirm that this region was inhabited by organised communities with well-developed traditions and craftsmanship.


While much remains to be uncovered, these findings provide valuable insights into the lives of those who lived here thousands of years ago.



Archaeological Finding of Great Dynasties


Nagpur’s history is closely tied to the rise of kingdoms and trade networks that once flourished in the region.


Excavations at various sites have revealed evidence of rulers, merchants, and artisans who shaped the land long before modern cities took form.



These discoveries have provided a clearer picture of how Nagpur developed into a thriving centre of commerce and administration.

Mahurjhari Archaeological Site
Mahurjhari Archaeological Site

One of the most significant sites in this regard is Mahurjhari, located near Nagpur. First excavated by S.B. Deo between 1970 and 1972, this site covers an area of approximately 6 square kilometres.


The findings included thousands of beads made from semi-precious stones, indicating that Mahurjhari was an important centre for bead-making.


Further studies by R.K. Mohanty from 2001 to 2004 confirmed that the site had been active from the early Iron Age to the early historic period (1000 BCE – 300 CE).


The presence of Roman coins suggested that long-distance trade routes connected this settlement to other regions, including parts of Europe and the Middle East.


Nagardhan in Ramtek
Nagardhan in Ramtek

Another crucial discovery took place at Nagardhan, a site near Ramtek. Excavations led by Arvind Jamkhedkar and later Amol Kulkarni in 2020 revealed a well-planned settlement that served as the capital of the Vakataka dynasty (4th to 6th century CE).


Among the most remarkable finds was a sealing bearing the name of Queen Prabhavatigupta, daughter of Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II.

This discovery confirmed that the Vakatakas had marital ties with the powerful Gupta Empire, strengthening their influence in central India.


Coins, pottery, and other artefacts unearthed at Nagardhan pointed to a thriving administrative and trade hub that played a crucial role in governance during the period.



Mansar Archaeological Site
Mansar Archaeological Site

About 45 km from Nagpur, the site of Mansar has further expanded knowledge of the Vakataka era. Excavations carried out in the 1990s uncovered the remains of a Buddhist monastery, a temple complex, and a palace structure.


These findings suggested that Mansar was not only an important religious site but also a political centre. The architectural layout indicated that it was built following specific urban planning principles, reflecting the advanced knowledge of the time.


The discovery of Buddhist relics also pointed to the spread of Buddhism in the region, adding another dimension to the area’s historical significance.


Each of these sites, Mahurjhari, Nagardhan, and Mansar, has contributed to the understanding of how trade and administration shaped Nagpur’s past.


The discoveries indicate that the region was home to well-organised settlements that played a key role in regional and international commerce.

What Lies Beneath?


Despite these discoveries, much of Nagpur’s past remains hidden. New excavations and modern technology are continuously providing fresh insights into the lives of those who once inhabited this land.


Recent archaeological projects have suggested that deeper layers of history may still be buried beneath present-day settlements, waiting to be revealed.


With every unearthed artefact, the understanding of Nagpur’s past expands, painting a picture of a district that was far more than just a geographical crossroads. It was a place where communities thrived, trade flourished, and dynasties rose to power.



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