Punjab and Haryana high court orders removal of encroachments from Thanesar archaeological site

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana high court has directed Haryana to remove encroachments from "Raja Harsh Ka Tila" and Archaeological Remains, Thanesar.The HC passed the orders after it was informed that the Archaeological Survey of India(ASI), via an order dated August 12, 2024, using the powers under Section 29 and 38 (1) of the Act, ordered the demolition of encroachments that sprouted in and around the ancient site.Despite the lapse of 9-10 months, the state authorities did not take any action."This court directs state authorities to carry out the directions on the encroachers by using coercive means, within a period of one month for compliance, provided there is no restraint order of any judicial authority," the HC directed in its order released on Friday.The ancient site is an extensive mound around 1 km long and 750 metres wide, according to ASI. The height of the mound is around 15-18 metres from the surrounding area. Excavations here revealed a sequence of cultures ranging from the Kushana to the Mughal period. A few painted greyware sherds were found in the pre-Kushana levels.The significant discovery of the post-Gupta period is represented by brick structures associated with red polished ware. Structural remains along with antiquities of the Indo-Islamic period were also exposed, including a Mughal period garden complex on the Charbagh pattern.A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel passed the orders on a petition filed by Pankaj Sharma of Kurukshetra. The petitioner sought directions against raising illegal construction on the land falling under 100 metres of the prohibited area as per Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.K A Kabui, superintending archaeologist, ASI, Chandigarh circle, informed that they already ordered the demolition of encroachments.BOX‘Raja Harsh-Ka-Tila'Size | 1 km long and 750 meters wideMound Height | 15-18 meters above the surrounding areaExcavations | Revealed cultures from the Kushana to the Mughal periodPre-Kushana Discovery | Painted grey ware sherds found in pre-Kushana levelsFortifications | Present from Kushana to Mughal periodPost-Gupta Discovery | Brick structures with Red Polished wareIndo-Islamic Period Findings | Mughal period garden complex (Charbagh pattern) and related antiquitiesMSID:: 121213066 413 |