SILENT WITNESS TO AN ANCIENT ERA

SILENT WITNESS TO AN ANCIENT ERA

5-JULY-ENG 17

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------The Rohtasgarh Fort, located in this district, is renowned for its historical grandeur and architectural brilliance. Tourists and history enthusiasts frequently visit to admire its palaces and massive walls. However, along the route to this historic fortress lies an archaeological site that encapsulates a history dating back thousands of years—predating the fort itself. A seemingly ordinary stone, preserved within an iron enclosure, stands as a silent witness to Bihar's ancient past.

This monument is neither a temple nor a statue, nor the tomb of a medieval king. It is a megalith—a structure formed from massive stones—estimated to be between 2,500 and 3,500 years old. The term "megalith" is derived from two Greek words: "mega" (meaning huge) and "lith" (meaning stone); these structures were erected in ancient times to commemorate significant individuals. These sites were not merely burial grounds but symbols of the respect and reverence that the society of that era held for its ancestors.

Thousands of years ago, an advanced and organized civilization flourished in the Rohtas and Kaimur hills of Bihar. Even today, remnants such as circular stone formations, towering standing stones, and ancient burial sites can be seen in the vicinity of Rohtasgarh. It was previously believed that this culture originated and spread primarily in South India. The discovery of megalithic remains in North India was, therefore, hailed as a major milestone in Indian archaeology.

Unfortunately, there is a lack of widespread awareness regarding these sites. Most tourists visiting Rohtasgarh become so captivated by the fort's grandeur that they overlook these invaluable heritage sites along the way. This site offers a glimpse into an era that predates both the expansion of the Mughal Empire and the reign of Sher Shah Suri—a time when human civilization was immortalizing its traditions and the memory of its ancestors through stone. It is this very realization that makes this place unique: that the ground upon which we stand today is the same soil where, three thousand years ago, people were expressing their sentiments for their loved ones. A visit to Rohtasgarh is not merely an experience of seeing a historic fort; it is also an opportunity to delve into the depths of time and understand Bihar's most ancient history. This small board will introduce you to an era that forms part of the foundation of Bihar's rich historical heritage.