A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Historical And Cultural Significance Of Archaeology In Haryana

Abstract

Cunningham conducted an exploration of many locations in the state of Haryana, including Amin, Hansi, Hissar, Kurukshetra, Pehowa, Rohtak, Sirsa, Thaneshwar, and Pinjore. The researcher conducted an analysis of various items, including monuments, inscriptions, coins, architectural pieces, and sculptures. These relics were discovered in temples, in close proximity to hallowed tanks, or buried under respected trees. Cunningham listed many prominent religious centers in the present-day province of Haryana, such as Thanesar and Kurukshetra. The etymology of Thanesar or Sthaneshwara potentially stems from two possible sources: Sthāna, denoting a place of residence, or the abode of Isvara or Mahadeva, or from the amalgamation of the terms Sthana and Isvara. The area next to Thanesar was often known as Kurukshetra, signifying the geographical expanse linked to the Kuru dynasty. Based on available records, it is said that Kuru allegedly adopted the position of an ascetic in the vicinity of a significant holy lake, which has been known by several names throughout history. Thanesar had considerable importance in the medieval period, particularly with the emergence of Cakra-tirath as the foremost pilgrimage destination under the reign of Mahmud Ghazni. According to Abu Rihan's account, after the successful conquest of Thanesar, the adherents of Muhammad came upon a statue that was held in high regard by the local population as an antique artifact associated with the fabled clash between the Kauravas and Panḍavas. The monument was transported to Ghazni with the explicit purpose of being deliberately smashed and desecrated. Cunningham further made reference to the Kurudhwaj Tīrath and Raja Karan ka Kilah, which are situated in close proximity to Thanesar. During the course of his expedition in Kurudhwaj, the explorer saw a multitude of sculptural artifacts that were intricately linked to the religious reverence of the god Siva.