3 days ago
Astrolabe found at Raigad Fort to be displayed at Mumbai's museum soon
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Kolhapur: The Archaeological Survey of India and the Raigad Development Authority's joint excavation has unearthed a 'yantraraj' (astrolabe) at Raigad,
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
's capital fort.
Excavations conducted over three to four years at approximately 10 to 12 locations, spanning from the ropeway upper station to Kushavarta lake, and from the marketplace to the Jagdishwar temple, revealed structures from Shivaji Maharaj's period.
The ancient yantraraj was found near a historic mansion above Kushavarta lake, situated between the rain gauge and Wadeshwar temple, though its recent disclosure came years after its discovery.
The upper surface of the astrolabe features inscriptions, including two animal engravings in the centre resembling a tortoise or snake. The inscribed words "mukh" and "poonchh" indicate the head and tail positions, presumably used for determining north-south orientations.
An ASI senior officer, speaking anonymously, said, "The rectangle-shaped instrument has inscriptions in the Sanskrit language and in Devanagari script — Shaka 1519 — meaning it was made in 1597 as per the English calendar and was used at the time Raigad was renovated in 1656 and where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was coronated in 1674. The astrolabe found is made of copper-bronze, and such astrolabes were common during that time, especially used by astrologers and seafarers to gaze at the stars and find directions through calculations.
"
The fort's conservation efforts have yielded various artefacts, including Shivrais (coins minted by Shivaji Maharaj), utensils made of glass and clay, weapons, and lamps, all currently held by ASI Mumbai Circle. According to an ASI source, the astrolabe will undergo chemical treatment for preservation before being exhibited in Mumbai's museum.
Raigad stands as a testament to Maratha architectural excellence and strategic planning.
Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, who heads the Raigad Development Authority, said, "The fort seems to have been built by studying astronomical sciences, as shown by the finding of the astrolabe. The instrument was used to find the latitude, longitude, and several other things to determine the locations. Further study of the instrument will shed more light on the administration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
"
Kolhapur: The Archaeological Survey of India and the Raigad Development Authority's joint excavation has unearthed a 'yantraraj' (astrolabe) at Raigad, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's capital fort.
Excavations conducted over three to four years at approximately 10 to 12 locations, spanning from the ropeway upper station to Kushavarta lake, and from the marketplace to the Jagdishwar temple, revealed structures from Shivaji Maharaj's period. The ancient yantraraj was found near a historic mansion above Kushavarta lake, situated between the rain gauge and Wadeshwar temple, though its recent disclosure came years after its discovery.
The upper surface of the astrolabe features inscriptions, including two animal engravings in the centre resembling a tortoise or snake. The inscribed words "mukh" and "poonchh" indicate the head and tail positions, presumably used for determining north-south orientations.
An ASI senior officer, speaking anonymously, said, "The rectangle-shaped instrument has inscriptions in the Sanskrit language and in Devanagari script — Shaka 1519 — meaning it was made in 1597 as per the English calendar and was used at the time Raigad was renovated in 1656 and where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was coronated in 1674.
The astrolabe found is made of copper-bronze, and such astrolabes were common during that time, especially used by astrologers and seafarers to gaze at the stars and find directions through calculations.
"
The fort's conservation efforts have yielded various artefacts, including Shivrais (coins minted by Shivaji Maharaj), utensils made of glass and clay, weapons, and lamps, all currently held by ASI Mumbai Circle.
According to an ASI source, the astrolabe will undergo chemical treatment for preservation before being exhibited in Mumbai's museum.
Raigad stands as a testament to Maratha architectural excellence and strategic planning. Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, who heads the Raigad Development Authority, said, "The fort seems to have been built by studying astronomical sciences, as shown by the finding of the astrolabe. The instrument was used to find the latitude, longitude, and several other things to determine the locations. Further study of the instrument will shed more light on the administration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
"
