Baranava
This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content. |
The Mahabharat link
As of 2025
Sandeep Rai, Sep 19, 2025: The Times of India
From: Sandeep Rai, Sep 19, 2025: The Times of India
Meerut : About 40km from Delhi, a historic site in Baghpat’s Baranava village — believed to have links with the Pandavas — is set for major development under UP’s Mahabharata circuit project. Officials said state’s tourism department has approved Rs 1 crore to enhance the site.
In Mahabharata, there is mention of a palace of lac — ‘Lakshagriha’ — where Kauravas tried to burn the Pandavas alive. The story of the Pandavas and their mother Kunti escaping the devious plot has fascinated generations. According to officials, visitors can now access traces of this site at Baranava. Protected by the Archeological Survey of India, the site — located around 35km from Baghpat town — has a mound and ruins conserved by ASI.
Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said, “The project will strengthen Baghpat’s position in the country’s religious and cultural tourism landscape and attract more pilgrims and history enthusiasts. It will also create new opportunities for tourism and boost economic growth.” The project aims to provide modern amenities such as beautification, lighting, sanitation, drinking water, rest areas and visitor information centres, he added.
Ex-principal secretary of tourism and culture, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, added the project is part of a larger state plan to “turn UP’s rich heritage into a world-class tourism experience”.
Over the years, Baghpat has also emerged as a Harappan archaeological site with excavations unearthing artefacts of the bygone era including greyware pottery. The district had attracted global limelight in 2018 when remnants of bronze chariots were excavated alongside the burial site in Sinauli village. Their age was estimated to be around 2000 BC.
