Sambhal Excavation: Hindu Kings made Stepwell, tunnel which were used by ‘1857 revolutionaries’.

More Hindu history of Sambhal unearths…..

‘Mentioned as pond in revenue records’: Stepwell, tunnel  made by Hindu King which were used by ‘1857 revolutionaries’ found in Sambhal. 

Uprendra Bharti | HENB | New Delhi | Oct 24, 2024:: A 150-year-old stepwell and a tunnel, potentially used as an escape route during the 1857 uprising against the British Raj, have been unearthed in Chandausi, Sambhal, during an anti-encroachment drive in the Laxman Ganj area. The discovery was made near the dilapidated Hindu temple of Banke Bihari ji, and is part of ongoing efforts to excavate and preserve historical sites in the region.

Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya and Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar Bishnoi conducted an inspection of the recently discovered stepwell in Sambhal’s Chandausi area on Sunday. According to Pensiya, the stepwell, also known as a “baoli,” covers an area of 400 square meters and was previously recorded as a pond in revenue records.

The excavation process is being carried out with caution to prevent any damage to the structure. Additionally, efforts will be made to remove encroachments surrounding the site. The stepwell is estimated to be over 150 years old and features four chambers, with some floors made of marble. The discovery was made possible after a public meeting brought the matter to official attention, prompting the commencement of excavation work.

On Sunday, a team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted an extensive survey of the region, covering 24 locations, including 5 shrines and 19 wells, with a particular focus on the recently unearthed site. The thorough inspection, which lasted nearly 10 hours, aimed to assess the historical significance of these sites. According to District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya, the findings of the ASI will serve as a guiding force in determining the next course of action to preserve Sambhal’s rich cultural heritage.

The Sambhal excavation has already created controversy as Yogi Government is supposedly trying to return its Hindu root of Sambhal.

Excavation efforts, spearheaded by Krishna Kumar Sonkar, Executive Officer of the Chandausi Nagar Palika, have successfully uncovered approximately 210 square meters of the site thus far. Sonkar emphasized that the team is working diligently to expose the remaining areas and restore the structure to its original glory.

According to local lore, the stepwell was constructed during the reign of the Hindu King of Bilari’s maternal grandfather. The ancient structure boasts three levels, with the first two levels made of marble and the top level constructed from bricks. Additionally, the site features a well and four chambers.

Residents believe that the tunnel, which dates back to the 1857 uprising, served as a vital escape route for freedom fighters fleeing British forces. A local historian noted that the underground chambers and tunnel might have played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of revolutionaries during the rebellion.

The discovery of the stepwell has also brought attention to the nearby Banke Bihari temple, which has fallen into disrepair. District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya has assured that the temple will undergo renovation, and if necessary, a survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will be conducted to inform the restoration process.

Many ancient sites and structures in the region have been discovered buried underground or hidden beneath subsequent constructions, often as a result of extensive Islamic encroachments that have gone unchecked over time.

The recent anti-encroachment drive in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, was sparked by the violent clashes that erupted on November 24 during the court-ordered Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid. The survey aimed to investigate claims that the mosque was built over a demolished Hindu temple from the Mughal era. Unfortunately, the clashes resulted in the loss of five lives and injuries to over 20 police personnel.

Following this incident, the authorities have taken steps to reclaim and restore historical sites in the area. On December 13, the Bhasma Shankar temple in Sambhal was reopened after being closed for 46 years. More recently, a centuries-old stepwell was discovered in the Chandausi area of Sambhal district during an excavation drive. The stepwell, estimated to be over 150 years old, features four chambers, with some floors made of marble.

The Supreme Court of India has recently barred lower courts from ordering new surveys at disputed religious sites while the ‘Places of Worship Act’ case is still pending. This move aims to maintain the status quo and prevent potential conflicts at sensitive sites.

The ‘Places of Worship Act of 1991’ aims to preserve the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947. The law prohibits the conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of such sites.

However, several expert lawyers have expressed the opinion that such surveys have little to no connection with the contentious ‘Places of Worship Act’, suggesting that the Supreme Court’s restraint may not be directly applicable to these surveys.

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__Inputs from TOI, ANI and India Today.