Bharadvaja Asrama is one of the key sites associated with the Ramayana story – for it was here that Rama, Sita and Laksmana stayed for a night to pay their homage to sage Bharadvaja, before proceeding further south. The excavations, in two field sessions: 1978-79 and 1982-83, at this site, besides explorations in 1981 at Chitrakuta: both located in UP, were jointly carried out by the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, and the Archaeological Survey of India -- under Professor B.B. Lal’s directions. The excavations have revealed two distinctive periods of occupations at Bharadvaja Asrama, characterized (1) by the early NBPW, and (2) as the Gupta period. The explorations at Chitrakuta also present a close association with the early NBPW culture –possibly associated with the Ramayana story.

Professor B.B. Lal here presents detailed reports of the sites highlighting the findings, like structures, pottery, terracotta figurines, antiquities, metal objects, beads and bangles: together with scientific analysis of the metal samples, more specially of the data showing the importance of oral traditions through lyrical ballads. The report is generously illustrated.

Professor B.B. Lal, (b. 1921), is an archaeologist of international renown, formerly Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India.