Administrative hub of Iron Age kingdom? ASI dig at Bihar’s Balirajgarh seeks answers on ancient Mithila history

Hari Om Sharan, Superintending Archaeologist of the ASI Patna Circle, said, “Our objective is to reach the virgin soil — the original, undisturbed ground — to determine exactly when human settlement first began. The excavations will help us verify if the site predates the Mauryan era. Preliminary data suggest it could be part of the Iron Age Videha Kingdom, potentially pushing the documented history of the region back by several centuries.”

The ASI team will dig approximately 20 trenches to study the “cultural fabric” and continuity patterns across five distinct phases: Mauryan (NBPW), Sunga, Kushan, Gupta, and Pala periods. The ASI has confirmed that it is using modern tools, including satellite imagery and systematic mapping, to identify high-interest areas within the 176-acre mound to avoid technical hurdles, such as high water tables, that have stopped work in the past.

JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, who is also chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture, told The Indian Express: “This scientific excavation is a big step forward to bring the untouched aspects of the ancient civilisation of Mithila to the global stage. We will develop a modern museum at the site, modelled after the Patna Museum, to preserve findings. This will transform the local economy through tourism and infrastructure development.”

Prior digs have yielded a treasure trove of artefacts, including ancient beads, copper objects, bone tools, terracotta figurines, toys, and punch-marked coins. Experts note that these findings prove the region was highly proficient in urban planning even in ancient times. The excavation is expected to solidify Madhubani’s standing as a world-renowned centre of Indian philosophy and cultural heritage.