December 27, 2023: In a compelling turn of events, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is on the brink of uncovering hidden mysteries as it investigates the potential for excavation in the Gevad Valley, nestled along the banks of the Ramganga River in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. The valley, often considered a hidden gem, has piqued the interest of ASI experts who believe that an ancient city might be concealed beneath its soil.
A group of ASI experts has conducted a survey of the valley, and the process of revealing the “lost habitation” is anticipated to commence in the near future. Manoj Saxena, the superintending archaeologist of the Dehradun circle, expressed the compelling nature of the findings from the survey, stating, “We are presently conducting an in-depth survey for a more detailed examination of the valley within the Chaukhutia area. A proposal for excavation is in the process of being prepared.”
When asked about the basis for believing in the existence of an ancient city beneath Gevad valley, the ASI official explained, “The area, spread over 10 km along Ramganga, consisting of flat land, has numerous temples dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries which were built by Katyuri rulers. Presence of the cluster of centuries-old temples indicates that there must have been a civilization there even before the temples were built.”
Dr. Chandra Singh Chauhan, regional state archaeological officer, revealed the discovery of small ‘devasthanams’ (small temples) in the region, ranging from one to two feet high. A survey conducted in the 1990s unearthed a temple of Vakratundeshvar (Ganesh) dating back to the 9th century and seven other temples of Nath Sampraday.
Professor Rakesh Chandra Bhatt, part of the team that conducted the survey in 1993, shared intriguing findings, stating, “During the excavation, we found secondary burials, chambers, and big jars in which remains of the dead were kept. We also found painted pottery and bowls similar to the pottery found in the Gangetic Doab in Meerut’s Hastinapur and Ahichchhatra in Bareilly, dating back to the 1st- 5th century BC.”
Notably, a significant discovery of a 1.2-meter-high Shivling and a 2-foot-diameter Shivling was made in the same region some time ago, indicating the potential presence of a lost city waiting to be discovered. ASI’s planned excavation in Uttarakhand’s Almora promises to unveil the historical secrets hidden beneath the surface, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich and ancient past.