Dating all the way back to the 7th century B.C., even prior to the Mauryan Empire, the archaeological remains of Sisupalgarh (also known as Sisupalagada) is considered one of the largest and best-preserved ancient fortifications in India. Located near the city of Bhubaneswar, the remains of the fortification were discovered in 1948 by the Indian archaeologist B.B. Lal. With evidence collected from excavations, Lal estimated that the fort city flourished between the third century B.C. and the fourth century A.D.
Sisupalgarh was designed and constructed in a complete square shape that was surrounded by defensive walls. Each side spreads for well over half a mile, and the interior is full of stone ruins and sculptures. Several seasons of excavations by various archaeologists since the BB Lal’s initial excavation have revealed a fortified citadel that was continuously occupied for at least 1,000 years starting in the mid-1st millennium B.C. At its prime, the city is believed to have a population of around 20,000 to 25,000. In comparison, according to some estimates, the population of Athens at that time was around 10,000.
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The settlement is surrounded by a nine-meter high defensive wall, which has an artificial moat running alongside. There’s evidence of eight gateways — two on each of the four sides — that were once elaborate stone-and-brick structures, complete with a check post, guard rooms and watch towers. The gateways were connected by streets that were part of a grid-like arrangement with the palace in the centre. The gates were elaborate structures made of brick and stone. The walls of the fortification are a little over nine meters (30 feet) tall. There is also evidence of stone-lined reservoirs that were likely used for harvesting rainwater.
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The fort was circumscribed by a small rivulet named Gangua (old Gandhavati). Excavated water reservoirs and pillared mandapas were found inside the town. The archaeologist BB Lal even mentioned a group of sixteen monolithic pillars, locally known as ‘Solakhamba’, some survived only with their stumps in situ. Lal did not carry out excavations around these pillars and suggested that these would have comprised a pillared hall. Later excavations around this pillared area revealed the presence of an apsidal monastery.
Geographical surveys have suggested the presence of broad streets connecting each of the eight gateways of the enclosure wall. The ancient city of Sisupalgarh is unique when compared to others because of its efficient town planning. With intelligent traffic management, pedestrian-friendly pathways, grand gateways with guard houses, wide roads and vast open space, this ancient city is certainly ahead of its times.
