The excavation procedure of the ancient 'Mrityu Kup' began on Thursday at Kot Purvi of Uttar Prdesh's Sambhal district. This is part of the initiative that is trying to identify and restore wells that reportedly have a religious and spiritual significance.
This well or the 'Mrityu Kup' is located within the Sambhal Kotwali police station area.
Another stepwell in the Chandausi area of the same district is being assessed by a team of the Archaeological Survey of India as they are planning for a convenient excavation procedure.
The local officials told PTI that the excavation and renovation of the "Mrityu Kup" is expected to boost Sambhal's religious tourism prospects.
The said well is located close to the Shahi Jama Masjid, a court-ordered survey of which led to violence last month, leaving four people dead.
The protesters torched vehicles and pelted stones at police, who used tear gas and batons to disperse the mob. Around 20 security personnel had sustained injuries in the clash and the deputy collector had fractured his leg, officials had said.
Internet services were suspended in the district in the wake of the violence.
Images shared on social media showed protesters pelting stones at the security personnel from atop buildings and in front of the Shahi Jama Masjid. Later, police personnel were purportedly seen cornering and hitting people as they tried to disperse a large crowd from a narrow alleyway.
Local councillor Gagan Vershney spoke to PTI on the excavation commencement as he said, "Thursday marks the beginning of the excavation of the Mrityu Kup, a very ancient and revered site. The excavation is being carried out with the cooperation of the Nagar Palika. The well is immensely popular and its renovation will further strengthen our faith. The district administration has been highly supportive in ensuring the development of this important cultural and religious landmark."
The locals, according to reports believe that the well was abandoned several years ago and filled with debris and this excavation process aims to clear that out.
As per locals, the well is not only a historic landmark but also a sacred site where devotees believe they can attain salvation by bathing.
The well is deeply-embedded in the region's spiritual fabric, with locals holding it in high regard for its mythological importance, reported PTI.
Sambhal's Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra said accompanied by a team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), she visited the Bhadrika Ashram Tirtha and Chaturmukh Kup in Hauz Bhadde Sarai.
"After further study, the team will determine its age and give recommendations for its preservation," the SDM said.
She also highlighted the team's visit to Alam Sarai's Brahma Kup, commonly known as the Chaturmukh Kup, a well constructed with stones. The ASI team has collected samples for analysis and research.
"In addition, the excavation of the Mrityu Kup is currently underway. We are evaluating the best methods to ensure its preservation. So far, we have identified around 15 out of 19 wells that are of great historical significance," Mishra said.
ASI To Excavate Step Well In Chandausi Of Sambhal Soon
On December 25, a team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) visited the site of the ancient step well in Chandausi of Sambhal district in Uttar Pradesh for the fifth time to assess the progress in excavation work.
The ASI officials are studying the structure and the best approach to continue the excavation work.
Krishna Kumar Sonkar, the executive officer of Chandausi municipality, told PTI that the excavation will be a complex procedure as JCB machinery cannot be used. He said manual labour is being employed and the step well's structure is emergery 'clearly'.
The stepwell, approximately 125 to 150 years old and covering an area of 400 square metres, was unearthed during excavation in the Laxman Ganj area of Chandausi last week.
The excavation follows the reopening of the Bhasma Shankar temple in Sambhal on December 13, after remaining closed for 46 years.
PTI reported that the locals believe, the stepwell was constructed during the reign of the maternal grandfather of the king of Bilari.
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