An ordinary day of excavation in the Alipur Khurd village of Sambhal turned extraordinary when the sound of clinking metal echoed from the earth, leading to the discovery of ancient gold coins and a historic well. The archaeological find has drawn attention to the region’s rich heritage, as well as the ongoing preservation efforts in the face of sensitive local issues.
The excavation started as part of routine efforts to uncover and protect the region’s ancient sites. SDM Vandana Mishra, accompanied by an ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) team, was conducting a site inspection in the village when the unusual sound was heard during digging. To their astonishment, they unearthed an earthen pot buried beneath the ground, and inside it were several gold coins—some dating back to the British era, while others were even older.
The coins, believed to be 300-400 years old, are expected to provide valuable insights into the region’s past. Experts are now working to authenticate and further study the artifacts, which could shed light on the era in which Guru Amarpati lived and his influence on the region. Notably, some of the coins featured intricate engravings of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman, highlighting the rich cultural and religious significance of the artefacts.
“The site is believed to be an ancient place of faith in Alipur Khurd village, and the discovery is a significant addition to our historical records. The ASI has protected this site since 1920,” SDM Vandana Mishra explained during the inspection. “In addition to the gold coins, we have found pottery and several coins with remarkable engravings. The figure of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman on one of the coins is especially interesting, as it points to the deep-rooted religious connection of the area.”
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