Balirajgarh Fort | 16 Mar 2026

Source: TH 

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has granted fresh approval for renewed scientific excavation at Balirajgarh Fort (officially the "Remains of Ancient Fort of Garh") in Madhubani district, Bihar. 

Balirajgarh Fort 

• About: It is a centrally protected national monument dating to around 200 BCE, offering insights into the Mithila region's early civilisation and its legendary links to King Bali (benevolent asura ruler from Hindu mythology).  
  • Part of the ASI's Patna Circle, it is one of Bihar's 71 protected sites of national importance. 
• Cultural Sequence: The fortification dates primarily to circa 200 BCE during the Shunga period, with evidence suggesting earlier Iron Age origins.  
  • Excavations have revealed a 5-fold cultural sequence spanning the Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) phase (circa 700–200 BCE), followed by the Shunga, Kushan, Gupta, and Pala periods (up to the 12th century CE), indicating continuous habitation from early historic to early medieval times. 
• Archaeological Findings: Previous excavations revealed structural remains, NBPW pottery, and artefacts, confirming the site as a major urban centre with massive boundary walls, elevated mounds, and defensive features. 
• Excavation History: The site was first identified in 1884 by George Abraham Grierson, then Madhubani Sub-Divisional Magistrate.  
  • Systematic excavations occurred in 1962-63, 1972-73, and 2013-14, though the last was abandoned midway due to "environmental constraints and a high water table.