Bihar Balirajgarh Fort Excavation Stalled Again After ASI Approval

Archaeological digs at Bihar's Balirajgarh Fort have been approved again, but past projects were left unfinished. This is the third approval in 10 years.
By Newsroom | Archaeology, Bihar |

Archaeological Inertia Plagues Balirajgarh

Recent reports suggest a renewed, yet familiar, push for excavation at the Balirajgarh Fort site in Madhubani district, Bihar. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has, for at least the third time in a decade, granted approval for digging, sparking hopes of uncovering the buried layers of early Mithila civilisation. However, past cycles of these approvals paint a picture of persistent institutional inertia. Previous excavations, like those proposed to involve around 20 trenches, have been initiated only to be left incomplete, with dug-up areas subsequently succumbing to soil, weeds, and grass. This pattern raises questions about the sustainability and seriousness of these periodic archaeological endeavors.

Behind the crumbling walls of Bihar’s Balirajgarh Fort, a tale of monumental neglect - 1

Promises and Potholes

The ASI's green light for excavation at Balirajgarh, a site considered one of Bihar's most significant archaeological locations, comes amid ongoing criticism of the agency's perceived negligence towards the state's historical treasures. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar himself has, on multiple occasions, voiced dissatisfaction with the ASI's approach. The current plan to dig approximately 20 trenches across the more than 20 identified mounds at the protected site appears to be a direct response to these critiques, aiming for a more "scientific, systematic and comprehensive" exploration this time. Officials involved express a desire to move beyond "earlier limitations" and achieve a "clearer, deeper account of the ancient settlement."

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Behind the crumbling walls of Bihar’s Balirajgarh Fort, a tale of monumental neglect - 2

A History of Halts

The narrative of Balirajgarh's excavation is punctuated by suspensions. In April 2016, it was reported that work at several key Bihar sites, including Balirajgarh, had been stalled for nearly a year due to the ASI's failure to issue necessary licenses. At that time, the ASI had reportedly put on hold sites with ongoing excavations for over four years, pending the submission of reports from previous diggings. This highlights a potential systemic issue where the completion and reporting of archaeological work are not keeping pace with new authorizations. The responsibility for furnishing these reports fell to local entities like the Patna NGO Heritage Foundation.

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The caretaker's watch

Amidst the bureaucratic ebb and flow, the physical site itself suffers. Ram Kumar Mandal, the sole caretaker of Balirajgarh Fort, presides over a monumental structure increasingly defined by neglect. The "crumbling walls" are a testament to a history that struggles to be unearthed, let alone preserved. The periodic interest, marked by fresh approvals and the promise of digging, stands in stark contrast to the prolonged periods of inactivity and the subsequent decay of the historical landscape.

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Echoes of Neglect

The Archaeological Survey of India's approval for excavation at Balirajgarh, while appearing proactive, seems to fall within a recurring pattern. The commitment to uncovering the past at this important site in Madhubani district is repeatedly met with obstacles that prevent a sustained and thorough investigation. The result is a landscape of archaeological promise perpetually overshadowed by the reality of its gradual deterioration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are excavations at Balirajgarh Fort in Bihar facing delays?
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has approved new digs, but past projects were stopped before completion. This pattern of stalled work has happened multiple times.
Q: What is the significance of the Balirajgarh Fort site?
Balirajgarh Fort in Madhubani district, Bihar, is considered a very important place for understanding the early Mithila civilisation. It has over 20 historical mounds.
Q: What does the ASI plan to do at Balirajgarh Fort this time?
The ASI plans to dig about 20 trenches to explore the site in a more scientific and complete way. This is meant to give a clearer understanding of the ancient settlement.
Q: What happened during previous excavation attempts at Balirajgarh Fort?
In the past, excavations were started but not finished. The dug-up areas were then covered by soil and plants. In April 2016, work was stopped for nearly a year because ASI did not give licenses.
Q: Who is taking care of the Balirajgarh Fort site?
Ram Kumar Mandal is the only caretaker for Balirajgarh Fort. He watches over the historical structure, which is showing signs of decay due to lack of regular work and preservation.