New Delhi: The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, today provided an update on the archaeological excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Gujarat over the past five years. In response to a query in the Lok Sabha, the Minister outlined the sites explored, the funds allocated, and the identification process behind these excavations.

According to the Minister, ASI has carried out excavations at several significant ancient sites across Gujarat. These include Taranga in Mehsana (2017-18 to 2018-19), Gunja in Mehsana (2018-19), Vadnagar in Mehsana (2019-20 to 2021-22), Vihar in Gandhinagar (2021-22), Sarval in Patan (2022-23 to 2023-24), and an exploration at Sanjan in Valsad.

Table: Funds allotted for Archaeological excavation during last five years are as under:

On the identification of sites for excavation, the Minister explained that “The sites for excavations are identified based upon surface findings and following the literary and oral traditions. The excavations are conducted on such identified sites to retrieve the material evidence of ancient cultures and to reconstruct history. Excavations on these sites have unearthed archaeological remains, as stupa, vihara, temple remains, etc. assignable from Late Harappan to Early Historical period.”