Vrindavan, 2015.01.20 (Aditya Dev, TNN): The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has extended its support to conserve a 2000-year-old Kushan-era pond in Vrindavan, which was discovered by an NGO a few years back.
The water body known as Ram Taal is located in Sunrakh village of Vrindavan, which can be accessed from National Highway-2 at the Chattikara turning.
Talking to TOI, ASI superintending archaeologist Bhuvan Vikrama said, “We have written to the NGO Braj Foundation, which is carrying out digging at the site for restoration purpose, as well as to our head office in this regard. We are ready to extend our expertise to the organization in not only restoring this Kushan-era relic, but also conduct further investigation to locate other relics which might be buried there.”
The pond could not have existed in solitary, there must be a temple or monastery in its surrounding. But, this could be proved only in the probe. Although the site is not under ASI, given its historical importance we are ready to make efforts to conserve it, Vikrama added.
Vineet Narain, chairman of Braj Foundation said, “Through scriptures we knew that there was a water tank in the area. The excavation process started in December 2011, with financial assistance from Kamal Morarka, head of Gannon Dunkerley Group. After finding the walls of the tank, we thought we would not do any modern construction at the place, but restore it to its original look. We welcome the assistance of ASI in restoring it.”
Narain added that surprisingly iron sheet has been used at the base of the tank. “The reason behind this could be to stop seepage as Yamuna flows close to the site. “There was no iron ore in the area during that period, so it is quite possible that iron was bought from traders passing through the area, and the sheet was created through molding.”
Vikrama said the width of the wall is 1.27 meter, whereas the length of the site is 51.60 meter and 34.35 meter wide.
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