Archaeology of Bharatpur

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The Archaeology of Bharatpur collates the field work carried out by the author in the district to structure the text Ph.D for award. Here, the archaeological findings have been arranged in a chrono- cultural perspective, supported by published research material Beginning with the human activity of the Paleolithic times, the book highlights the process of cultural progress through the stages of protohistoric period typified by the presence of Black and Red ware, late Harappan ceramic. Ochre coloured Pottery, painted grey ware and copper-hoard finds dated back to second millennium BC, suggesting extension of the Gangetic tradition. The early historical period is marked by the Northern Black Polished ware in a stratified context followed by the remains attributed to the Sungas, the Kushanas, the Guptas and the post-Gupta period. The epigraphical and numismatic resources have been given due importance in the formulation starting from the early historical period to the medieval period. The Arabic and Persian records are suitably highlighted. The inputs based on primary resources and its analysis drawn in the perspective of published researches would certainly make this volume a prized possession for the scholars and students alike.

After his graduation in AIHC & Archaeology from Banaras Hindu University in 1996 and Master's degree in AIH & Archaeology from Patna University (1999), Dr Shiv Kumar Bhagat obtained Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology from the Institute of Archaeology. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 2001. Prior to joining the ASI as Assistant Archaeologist in 2003, he worked as Research Assistant in the project entitled "Pala and Sena School of Art of Eastern India" funded by ICHR. This gave him opportunity to study and document works or art of the period housed in museums During his posting in the Jaipur Circle (2003-2013), he took keen interest in the excavation and exploration and in this process he did extensive village to village survey in the districts of Bharatpur, Bikaner and Sirohi, out of these he chose the subject "Archaeological Survey of Bharatpur" for his Ph.D research work. He was awarded the Ph.D. degree in 2012 by the University of Rajasthan.

Subsequently, in 2013 he qualified NET followed by his selection as Deputy Superintending Archaeologist in 2015, whereby he joined Dharwar Circle and is currently working in the Ranchi Circle since 2019 As an archaeologist Dr Shiv Kumar Bhagat participated in the excavations at Maner (1997-98) Bihar. Rakhigarhi (1999-2000) Haryana, Sravasti (2000-2001) Uttar Pradesh, Adibadri (2002-03) Haryana, Nagar Fort (2008-09) and Maharaj Ki Khedi (2012-13) in Rajasthan.

While working in ASI as an Assistant Archaeologist and being posted for a long period at Dig Palace Museum (year 2003 to 2007), I had to survey and explore the region. The language and people were new to me and unique in some sense. I became interested in knowing the past of the region. Stray probing in its history along with its historical geography and culture pushed me into its hoary past-in fact the archaeological past of Bharatpur.

My teacher Dr. Amarendra Nath, the then Director, Archaeological Survey of India, suggested me to take up this work for the doctoral dissertation. Meanwhile I met Dr. Kamal Nayan, Head, Dept. of History, Maharani Jaya PG College, Bharatpur, who on different occasions very kindly inaugurated or presided over the periodical photo exhibitions/cultural awareness programmes organized by Archaeological Survey of India. I expressed my desire regarding the research on this topic. He was kind enough to enroll me as a Ph. D. scholar under his supervision.

The work was tedious and official duties were varied which delayed the work many a times. Intensive studies of the work done so far and its augmentation by fresh explorations and revisit to already studied sites and also the new one - form the kernel of the present work which I have discussed at length in the introduction.

I am deeply indebted to Dr. Amarendra Nath for continuously encouraging me to complete this work at the earliest. I express my deep sense of gratitude to my research supervisor Dr. Kamal Nayan who patiently heard my problems and made valuable suggestions. Without his constant help, penetrating queries and criticism I could not have successfully completed this work. My sincere thanks are due for Shri R.S. Mishra, Retd. Associate Professor, Department of History, University of Rajasthan who was readily available for any query or discussion.

My heartfelt thanks are due for Sh. K.L. Saini, Surveyor Gr-1, Sh. Vivek Nigam, Surveyor Gr-I, Sh. Dr. B.R. Mani Vice Chancellor (Retd.) ational Museum Institute fCulture, Govt. of India, path, New Delhi-110011 R.P. Mathur, Photographer Gr-I, all of Jaipur Circle office, Sh. Ramesh Chand, Monument Attendant of Dig Palace Museum, Sh. Kishan Sahay Yadav, Monument Attendant of Dig Palace and Sh.Radha Ballabh and Sh. Atar Singh, Monument Attendants of Bharatpur fort who accompanied me during my field surveys on different occasions.

The present book is the outcome of scholarly and investigative research of Dr Shiv Kumar Bhagat, one of the promising archaeologists of the Archaeological Survey of India who has collected data from archaeological, epigraphic, numismatic sources, besides consulting art and architecture of the region of Bharatpur. The chance find of 1821 gold coins of the Imperial Gupta rulers from Bayana in Bharatpur in 1946 had put the place in the historic map of the country. In this research work Archaeology of Bharatpur, the author has worked hard and has utilized his posting in Jaipur Circle of the Survey in extensively exploring the area. He has been able to compile the scattered data and has scientifically classified and analyzed them after documenting the details.

I am hopeful that this work would be useful for both the researchers and general readers who would be able to acquaint themselves with the cultural elements of the area with impacts of adjoining regions in time and space.