Rediscovering Agroha: CM Saini to kick-start excavation today
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will inaugurate the excavation at the Agroha archaeological site in Hisar district tomorrow. The site is believed to be the ancient capital of Maharaja Agrasen.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Haryana Archaeology and Museum Department had signed a MoU a year ago to develop Agroha into a prominent heritage site.
Agroha is considered a major centre of commerce and politics until the establishment of Hisar-e-Firoza by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in 1354 AD. Historians say previous excavations have revealed a fortified township with evidence of continuous habitation from the 4th century BC to the 14th century AD.
Deputy Director of Public Relations Department Surender Saini said the first excavation at Agroha was conducted by CJ Rodgers in 1888-89, followed by HL Srivastav in 1938-39. Later, the Haryana Archaeology Department carried out excavations from 1978 to 1984, unearthing numerous artefacts.
"Discoveries include coins from the Agroha Janapada, terracotta objects, seals, sculptures, toys and ornaments," he said. "The most significant finds are a hoard of four Indo-Greek coins, one punch-marked coin, and fifty-one coins of Agrodaka, highlighting the site’s economic and political importance."
He said seals inscribed with words like ‘Pitradutt,’ ‘Sadhu Vridhasya,’ and ‘ShamkarMalasya’ suggest an organised society with a developed administrative system. Evidence of Buddhist and Hindu structures standing side by side also points to cultural diversity and religious harmony.
Archaeologists say Agroha’s strategic location connects it to other historic sites, including Rakhigarhi — the largest Harappan site — as well as Bhirdana, Kunal and Banawali in Fatehabad district, which belong to the Indus Valley Civilisation.
The state government plans to develop Agroha into a tourism hub with a Tourist Welcome Centre, Site Museum, Planetarium, and Knowledge Park to educate visitors about its historical significance. A Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey by IIT Kanpur has identified potential excavation areas, promising further discoveries.
"Agroha’s transformation into a cultural and historical tourism hub will preserve its ancient heritage," said the Deputy Director. "The upcoming projects aim to establish it as a landmark site in Indian archaeology."
