Ancient Pre-Gond Settlement Unearthed Near Chandrapur A significant archaeological discovery has been made near Chandrapur, revealing evidence of an ancient settlement believed to predate the rise of the Gond kingdom. The site, located at Bor Rith, lies at the confluence of the Irai and Jharpat rivers, according to Prof Suresh Chopane, a local historian and researcher. The findings suggest continuous human occupation spanning from the Stone Age to the Satavahana, Vakataka, and Yadava periods, challenging the traditional narrative that Chandrapur's history began with the Gond rulers. The site, currently occupied by agricultural fields and situated outside a flood-prone zone, has yielded artifacts dating back nearly 10,000 years. These include Stone Age tools, ancient pottery, animal bones, teeth, and iron slag, which may indicate early iron-smelting activities. Prof Chopane also reported the discovery of remnants of a temple complex, such as two Shivalingas and structural remains, pointing to the presence of a later religious center. A Hanuman temple now stands at the location, while local farmers have previously uncovered old coins and ornaments, further highlighting the site's historical significance. Prof Chopane emphasized that the fertile riverbanks of the Irai and Jharpat rivers supported human settlements thousands of years before the emergence of organized kingdoms in the region. He argued that the area's proximity to perennial water sources made it a hub for prehistoric communities, with other ancient settlements identified nearby, including areas near Papamiya Hill, Arwat village, Mana, and Pathanpura. These sites, he noted, were inhabited by tribal and Hindu communities before the rise of the Gond kingdom.#prof_suresh_chopane #chandrapur #bor_rith #irai_river #jharpat_river
Tadoba Road Pillars Belong to Bhonsle Era, Not British: New Research Challenges Official Records A series of stone and brick pillars lining the historic Chandrapur-Nagpur forest route, particularly through Tadoba, may not have been constructed during the British period as previously recorded, according to new research by geologist and archaeologist Prof Suresh Chopane. His findings directly contradict the Chandrapur Gazetteer, which attributes these structures to British colonial efforts. Prof Chopane argues that the pillars, which served as navigational markers for travelers through dense forest areas between Chandrapur and Nagpur, date back to the Bhonsle dynasty’s rule, spanning between 1751 and 1853. The pillars, installed at intervals of roughly 100 meters, were designed to ensure route continuity across the Chandrapur-Tadoba-Chimur-Umred-Nagpur corridor. While many have been lost over time, approximately 35 stone and nine brick pillars remain in the Tadoba region. Prof Chopane highlights distinct construction patterns, including sandstone pillars between Chandrapur and Tadoba Lake, and brick structures closer to Nagpur. A unique U-shaped stone feature atop several pillars likely served as directional indicators or aids for travelers navigating the forest terrain. Prof Chopane emphasizes the absence of any mention of these markers in British administrative records, which were known for their detailed documentation of infrastructure projects. He states, “There is no evidence in official reports, financial records, or the British-era Gazetteer that the British built these markers.” The study places the construction of the pillars during the Bhonsle dynasty’s reign, a period marked by efforts to develop trade and administrative links between Nagpur and Chandrapur.#chandrapur_gazetteer #prof_suresh_chopane #tadoba_pillars #bhonsle_dynasty #chandrapur_nagpur_route
