{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "ASI Resumes Excavation At Dronasagar In Kashipur To Investigate Mahabharata Era History",
  "summary": "The Archaeological Survey of India has resumed excavation work at Dronasagar in Kashipur, Uttarakhand, to investigate historical claims regarding Guru Dronacharya's ashram.",
  "content": "The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has once again launched excavation work at the historic Dronasagar site located in Kashipur, Uttarakhand. The primary objective behind this fresh digging campaign is to thoroughly investigate the authenticity of local beliefs suggesting that Guru Dronacharya's ashram was situated here during the Mahabharata era. Archaeologists expect that systematic excavation will help shed light on the deep history and cultural sequence of this ancient location, which has long been tied to mythological traditions.\n\n \n\nPrevious Excavation Campaigns at the Site\n Mohan Chandra Joshi, Superintending Archaeologist in charge of the ASI Dehradun circle, explained that Dronasagar is a significant ancient archaeological site where digging has taken place multiple times in the past. An official excavation was first conducted by archaeologist YD Sharma back in the year 1965, followed by another round of exploration during 1970-71. Various ancient structures were uncovered during these earlier operations. According to Joshi, the history of this site spans approximately 2,000 years, with evidence of Painted Grey Ware (PGW) also coming to light, prompting some scholars to link the area directly to the Mahabharata period.\n\n \n\nRecent Discoveries During Current Digging\n Explaining the ongoing efforts, officials noted that excavation work has been underway for the past 20 to 25 days, though it faced some disruptions due to recent rainfall. Initial findings from the current phase include a small brick fragment dating back to the Sunga-Kushan period. Additionally, a circular brick structure has been uncovered at the upper level, which is currently being viewed as a potential ancient well. Experts clarified, however, that definitive details about this structure will only emerge once the excavation is fully completed and the entire feature is exposed.\n\n \n\nUnraveling the Complete Cultural Sequence\n The core goal of the ASI is to carry out systematic digging down to the natural soil layer to fully comprehend the site's complete cultural sequence and origins. Archaeologists are also working to determine the exact foundation level of the circular structure and whether brick constructions were carried out here across different historical epochs. While the ongoing excavation is providing valuable clues into the ancient history of the region, authorities noted that the evidence gathered so far is not yet sufficient to conclusively confirm a direct link to the Mahabharata era.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThe archaeological excavation underway at Dronasagar in Kashipur has direct implications for local heritage, tourism, and historical research in the region.\n\n• Across India: Scientific investigations into ancient and mythological sites gain renewed momentum nationwide. Such findings contribute significantly to the official documentation and preservation of the country's historical heritage.\n\n• In Kashipur: Local residents and businesses involved in tourism stand to benefit from heightened historical interest. Authentic confirmation of the site's antiquity could pave the way for future cultural and religious tourism development.\n\nWhy this happened\nThe excavation at Dronasagar in Kashipur was initiated by the Archaeological Survey of India to examine the long-standing local traditions and bridge the gap with tangible archaeological evidence.\n\n• Mythological Tradition: Local beliefs have long maintained that Guru Dronacharya's ashram was located within this specific region during the Mahabharata era.\n\n• Previous Findings: Evidence gathered during earlier excavations in 1965 and 1970-71, which indicated a history spanning 2,000 years along with Painted Grey Ware, encouraged archaeologists to conduct further investigations.\n\n• Cultural Sequencing: Systematic digging down to the natural soil layer is deemed essential to uncover the site's true origins and determine whether structures were built across different historical periods.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Where is the ASI conducting excavation work in Kashipur?\nThe Archaeological Survey of India is conducting excavations at the Dronasagar site in Kashipur.\n\n2. What is the primary objective of this excavation?\nThe main objective is to investigate whether Guru Dronacharya's ashram was located here during the Mahabharata era.\n\n3. When was excavation previously carried out at this site?\nPrevious excavation work was conducted at the site in 1965 and during the 1970-71 period.\n\n4. How old is the history of this archaeological site estimated to be?\nAccording to experts, the history of this site spans approximately 2,000 years.\n\n5. What initial discoveries have been made during the recent digging?\nInitial findings include a small brick fragment from the Sunga-Kushan period and a circular brick structure.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/national/uttarakhand-ke-kashipur-me-dronasagar-par-fir-shuru-hui-asi-ki-khudai-mahabharat-kal-ke-itihas-ki-ho-rahi-padtal-51884",
  "category": "India",
  "publishedAt": "2026-10-26",
  "tags": [
    "Kashipur",
    "Uttarakhand",
    "ASI",
    "Dronasagar",
    "Mahabharata Era",
    "Archaeology",
    "Guru Dronacharya"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}