In June 2023, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) announced that it

had found evidence of human activity dating back to the Mahabharata era 

at Purana Qila, an archaeological site in Delhi, India.  

The evidence includes Painted Grey Ware (PGW) sherds, 

which are a type of pottery that was commonly used in the 

Gangetic Plain during the 11th and 12th centuries BCE. 

The discovery of PGW sherds at Purana Qila suggests that the site may have been inhabited 

during the Mahabharata period, which is traditionally dated to the 10th century BCE. 

The ASI has been excavating at Purana Qila since 2018. 

The current excavation season is focused on a mound that is located near the western gate of the fort. 

The mound is believed to be the site of an ancient settlement.