Archaeological Survey of India to conserve Paunar Fort
   Date :09-May-2021

Paunar Fort _1  
 
 
By Shirish Borkar :
 
Conservation work likely to start after lockdown 
 
CUSTODIAN of cultural heritage of the country, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is all set to undertake the conservation work of Paunar Fort in Wardha district, in the coming season. Lacerated on the right bank of the river Dham, a tributary of the Wardha river, it is an impressive mound which is already declared as a monument of National importance. These remains are of a massive medieval fortification. Historians have identified the place with ancient Pravarpura, the capital of the Vakatkas of the main line who ruled over Vidarbha region and adjoining territories from 3rd to 5th centuries. Earlier archaeological excavations revealed a fourfold sequence of culture in Paunar. The first phase is characterised by a thin black and red pottery, and a coarse red ware.
 
A coarse red pottery with painting in black. The last ceramic is interesting in as much as it has no parallels elsewhere. It appears to have been confined only to parts of Vidarbha. No metal was found in the deposits. This period can be placed prior to the advent of iron. Hence, it has been dated to 1000-800 BC. The second period beginning with 43 Century BC is marked by the introduction of full-fledged iron technology. The black painted red pottery of the preceding period does not occur. However, it continues and becomes the predominant pottery. This period has been further divided into two phases, one devoid of red polished ware and second on the basis of occurrence of red Polished Ware and an Amphora. The third period dated 38 centuries is marked by the introduction of a bright slipped red ware and structure of kiln burnt brick. During a major part of the period the region witnessed the domination of ‘Visnukundins’ whose coins have been found in the excavation including a hoard of them.
 
The fourth period is characterised by the occurrence of the Chinese Celadon ware and medieval glazed ware as also polychrome glass bangles. This period may be dated from 10 to 15 centuries. A coin of Muhammad Tughlaq was also found. Massive fortifications of dressed stone were constructed. Sir R Jenkins in his report on the Nagpur territories (1827) had stated that Paunar was formerly the chief seat of Mohammedan Government east of the Wardha, and an officer styled the Faujdara of Paunar resided here. He was charged with the collection of the tribute then paid by the Gond Rajas of Devgad and Chanda to the Emperor of Delhi. In 1807, the Pendharis attacked Paunar and sacked. While under the Marathas, it was the headquarters of a Pargana and the residence of a Kamavisdar. Many remnants of buildings remain to show the evidence of Muslim and Hindu rule.
 
The village contained an old fort which must have been a place of considerable strength. It was built on a height surrounded on three of its sides by a deep reach of the Dham. A reference to this fort is found in the Ain-i-Akbari of Abul Fazal. The ruins of the old fort are still traceable and one of its gateways is still standing. It was a large and imposing structure of stone and contained an illegible inscription apparently in the Devanagari. A fragmentary stone inscription from the village Paunar during the reign of Burhan Nizam Shah is inscribed in Nagari Character in bold relief during the Suhura Era 1000. It is a stone showing the direction to some village the name of which cannot be made out as the lower portion has been broken away. Eighteen copper coins of the Qutub Shahi ruler Abdullah Qutb Shah were encountered while digging earth for the construction of a dam.
 
The site has also revealed remains of a Vaishnava temple adorned with Gupta-Vakataka sculptures carved with the Ramayana scenes, besides an inscribed image of Ganga and one of Andhakantaka Siva. Inside the fort, tomb of Hazrat Ahmed Kabeer (r.a) is also situated. ASI sources told ‘The Hitavada’ that financial estimates have already been prepared for the conservation work which may start once the funds are released by the government after the lockdown.