Archaeological Survey of India resumes excavations at Kashipur's Dron Sagar mound

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has resumed excavations at the Dron Sagar mound in Kashipur, Uttarakhand, to investigate the site’s historical origins and cultural sequence. The 90-acre site is subject to local traditions linking it to the Mahabharata-era sage Dronacharya, who is believed to have lived there and trained the Pandavas.

Dr. YD Sharma, Superintending Archaeologist for the ASI Dehradun Circle, stated that the goal is to conduct a systematic excavation down to the natural soil to identify the site’s complete history. Previous excavations in 1939-40, 1965-66, and 1970-71 revealed structures dating from the Gupta period to the early medieval period, as well as evidence of Painted Grey Ware (PGW).

Initial findings from the current phase include a small brick from the Shunga-Kushan period and a circular brick structure, which archaeologists currently identify as a well. The current excavation phase is expected to continue until March.