Ancient Astrolabe Unearthed at Raigad Fort: A Maratha-Era Scientific Marvel

Key Points for SSC and Other Government Exams

  • An ancient astrolabe (yantraraj) discovered at Raigad Fort by ASI and Raigad Development Authority.
  • Made of copper-bronze, rectangular, with Sanskrit & Devanagari inscriptions.
  • Found near Kushavarta lake, linked to the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
  • Dated to Shaka 1519 (1597 CE); used during Shivaji’s coronation in 1674 CE.
  • Raigad Fort тАУ Capital of Maratha Empire under Shivaji; called “Gibraltar of the East”.
  • Key structures: Maha Darwaja, Palkhi Darwaja, Ranivasa, Jagdishwar Temple.
  • Excavations reveal coins, weapons, utensils, and other historical artefacts.
  • Astrolabe indicates advanced astronomical and navigational knowledge in Maratha era.

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A Historic Breakthrough at Raigad

The discovery of an ancient astrolabe (locally called yantraraj) at Raigad Fort has created ripples in the archaeological community. Conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Raigad Development Authority, the excavation spanned over 10 to 12 sites and culminated in the unearthing of this rare scientific instrument.

Raigad Fort: Seat of the Maratha Empire

Located in the Sahyadri ranges of North Konkan, Maharashtra, Raigad Fort was the strategic hilltop capital of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Originally built by Chandraraoji More, it was captured and renamed by Shivaji in 1656 CE. The fort saw rule under various powers before being taken over by the British in 1818.

Main Architectural Highlights

  • Maha Darwaja тАУ Grand entrance with 20-metre bastions.
  • Palkhi Darwaja тАУ Special passage for royal women.
  • Chitta Darwaja, Khoob Ladha Burj, Nagarkhana Darwaja, Raj Sadar.
  • Ranivasa тАУ Six-room residential quarters for queens.
  • Ganga Sagar тАУ Artificial lake.
  • Jagadishwar Mandir тАУ Functioning temple dedicated to Shiva.
  • Samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj тАУ Built after his death in 1680.

The Astrolabe Discovery

Unearthed near a historic mansion above Kushavarta lake, the astrolabe is a rectangular copper-bronze artefact featuring:

  • Inscriptions in Sanskrit and Devanagari.
  • Animal engravings (likely a tortoise or snake).
  • Markings labelled “mukh” (head) and “poonchh” (tail).

It likely helped determine north-south orientation, crucial for astronomy and navigation.

Historical Context

Dating to Shaka 1519 (1597 CE), the astrolabe predates ShivajiтАЩs rule but may have been actively used during the 1656 renovations and 1674 coronation. It underscores the use of scientific tools by Maratha administrators, astrologers, and possibly the navy.

Broader Significance

According to Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, the find could reveal much about the administrative and scientific mindset of ShivajiтАЩs regime. The astrolabe is a rare symbol of how astronomy influenced architecture and policy in pre-modern India.

Conservation and Future Study

The ASI, Mumbai Circle, will conduct chemical treatment on the astrolabe before placing it in a museum. Other artefacts like Shivrai coins, lamps, utensils, and weapons have also been preserved. Researchers aim to study the device further to explore its implications for Maratha navigation and administration.

Related State and Historical Facts

Maharashtra (State):

  • Capital: Mumbai (summer), Nagpur (winter)
  • CM (2025): Eknath Shinde
  • Governor: Ramesh Bais
  • Major Rivers: Godavari, Krishna, Bhima, Tapi
  • Important National Parks: Sanjay Gandhi NP, Tadoba NP, Navegaon NP, Pench NP
  • Forts: Raigad, Sinhagad, Pratapgad, Shivneri

ASI (Archaeological Survey of India):

  • Established: 1861
  • Under: Ministry of Culture, Government of India
  • Role: Conservation and research of archaeological sites

Potential MCQs

Q1. Where was the ancient astrolabe discovered recently?

A. Sinhagad Fort
B. Shivneri Fort
C. Raigad Fort
D. Pratapgad Fort
Answer: C

Q2. What is the estimated Gregorian year corresponding to Shaka 1519?

A. 1674
B. 1597
C. 1656
D. 1600
Answer: B

Q3. Which metal is the Raigad astrolabe made of?

A. Iron
B. Gold
C. Copper-bronze
D. Silver
Answer: C

Q4. Who originally built the Raigad Fort before it was captured by Shivaji?

A. Chandraraoji More
B. Shahu Maharaj
C. Fateh Khan
D. ShivajiтАЩs father
Answer: A

Q5. Which major deity is worshipped at the Jagadishwar Mandir in Raigad?

A. Vishnu
B. Shiva
C. Ganesha
D. Durga
Answer: B

Q6. Who manages the conservation and treatment of artefacts at Raigad Fort?

A. INTACH
B. Raigad Development Authority only
C. ASI Mumbai Circle
D. Maharashtra State Archives
Answer: C