Brahmagiri excavation: ASI-Bengaluru and University of Pennsylvania join forces to unlock ancient mysteries

Bengaluru: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Bengaluru Circle, in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania, launched a multi-disciplinary excavation at Brahmagiri in Chitradurga on Sunday.

First excavated in 1947 by Sir Mortimer Wheeler, the site in Ashoka Siddapura Village has revealed cultural significance spanning from the neolithic to the medieval period.

The current excavation, however, will focus on detailed stratigraphic documentation and artefact analysis, employing scientific methods and the latest technology, according to an ASI press release.

Bipin Chandra, Superintending Archaeologist of ASI, Bengaluru Circle, clarified that the ongoing excavation is not a re-attempt of the colonial-era excavation. Instead, it targets 10x10 meter sites identified in collaboration with historians and research scholars from various universities.

“This excavation is multi-disciplinary, incorporating Geographic Information Systems (GIS), paleo-environmental studies, pollen analysis, photogrammetry, and LiDAR surveys,” Chandra explained.

The excavation is set to continue until March this year, with the potential for significant discoveries, he added.

Chandra will lead the excavation from ASI, while Prof Kathleen Morrison and Dr Mark T Lycett from the University of Pennsylvania will provide guidance in the latest excavation techniques.

A detailed summary from the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Paleoecology Lab explains that the excavation will help resolve key stratigraphic, chronological, and taxonomic issues, providing a more solid foundation for future research.

The re-excavation will expand beyond basic stratigraphy and chronology, exploring domestic architecture, ceramic, and metal production, and both local and long-distance trade.

The study will also address issues related to urbanisation, population aggregation, agricultural intensification, and the rise of institutionalised religions.

Know the team members 

From ASI

Veeraraghavan N, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist 

R Ramesh, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist 

Vinuraj B, Assistant Archaeologist 

Murali Mohan, Surveyor 

Basavaraj Mayachari, Photographer 

Ponnathota Sudheer, Conservation Assistant 

From University of Pennsylvania

Austin Chad Hill, Postdoctoral Researcher 

CS Ambily, Postdoctoral Researcher 

Moriah McKenna, PhD Student 

Jennifer Feng, PhD Student