Discovery of Ancient Astrolabe at Raigad Fort
Recent archaeological excavations at Raigad Fort have revealed an ancient astrolabe, known as ‘yantraraj’. This discovery was made by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in collaboration with the Raigad Development Authority. The excavations spanned several years and covered multiple sites within the fort, revealing structures dating back to the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
About Raigad Fort
- Situated in North Konkan, Maharashtra, on the Sahyadri hills. It is surrounded by deep valleys on three sides.
- Known for its steep and strategic position – only accessible by a steep path in the front.
- Originally built by Chandraraoji More, a local feudal lord of Jawali.
- Captured by Shivaji in 1656 CE, renamed from Rairi to Raigad (meaning royal fort).
- Became the capital of the Maratha Empire under Shivaji.
- Later controlled by:
- Fateh Khan (Ahmadnagar Sultanate) in 1707 CE,
- Marathas again until 1813 CE,
- British took over in 1818 CE after cannon bombardment.
- Called it the “Gibraltar of the East” for its strength and location.
Main Structures
- Chitta Darwaja – lower entry gate.
- Khoob Ladha Burj – watchtower.
- Maha Darwaja – grand main entrance with 20-metre-high bastions.
- Palkhi Darwaja – special entry for queens.
- Ranivasa – queen’s chambers (6 rooms in a row).
- Nagarkhana Darwaja – 3-storey gate facing the royal throne.
- Raj Sadar – hall for public court and meetings.
Water and Worship
- Ganga Sagar – large artificial lake below the fort.
- Jagadishwar Mandir – Shiva temple still in use.
- Samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj – his tomb built here after his death in 1680 CE.
Excavation
Excavations took place over three to four years at 10 to 12 locations. Key areas included the ropeway upper station, Kushavarta lake, and the marketplace near the Jagdishwar temple. This extensive search aimed to uncover artefacts from Shivaji Maharaj’s reign. The astrolabe was discovered near a historic mansion above Kushavarta lake.
Description of the Astrolabe
The astrolabe is rectangular and made of copper-bronze. Its upper surface features inscriptions in Sanskrit and Devanagari script. Notably, it bears engravings of two animals resembling a tortoise or snake. The inscriptions “mukh” and “poonchh” denote the head and tail positions. This suggests it was used for determining north-south orientations.
Historical Context
The astrolabe dates back to Shaka 1519, equivalent to 1597 in the Gregorian calendar. It was likely in use during the fort’s renovations in 1656 and the coronation of Shivaji Maharaj in 1674. This instrument was essential for seafarers and astrologers to navigate and make astronomical observations.
Significance of the Discovery
The discovery of the astrolabe marks the advanced knowledge of astronomy in the Maratha Empire. It suggests that the fort’s construction may have been influenced by astronomical sciences. Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, head of the Raigad Development Authority, noted that the astrolabe could provide vital information about the administrative practices of Shivaji Maharaj.
Conservation Efforts
The conservation of Raigad Fort has led to the recovery of various artefacts, including Shivrais (coins), glass and clay utensils, weapons, and lamps. These items are curated by the ASI Mumbai Circle. The astrolabe will undergo chemical treatment for preservation and will eventually be displayed in a museum in Mumbai.
Future Research
Further study of the astrolabe is anticipated to enhance understanding of Maratha naval and astronomical practices. Researchers aim to explore its implications for navigation and administration during Shivaji Maharaj’s rule. This discovery opens avenues for deeper vital information about the technological advancements of the period.
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