Former Navratangarh World Heritage site inhabitants were the Nagvanshi monarchs and queens of Chotanagpur, who occupied a nine-story structure. The Archaeological Department intends to conduct excavations near this multi-story structure to ascertain the number of centuries in which the monarchs and queens resided. Navratangarh, also called Doisagarh, is situated in Nagar, Sisai Block, 32 kilometres from Gumla. Decades have passed since the Archaeological Department of Jharkhand began investigating Navratangarh’s mysteries. Currently, the Archaeological Department excavates across different sections of Navratangarh to uncover concealed passages, architecture, palaces, and the Jagannath Temple. Nevertheless, the nine-story Palace that housed the monarchs and kings remains an enigma that has yet to be resolved.
Since the Nagavanshi dynasty’s rule in this region ended over time, the majority of Navratangarh had been acquired by landlords. This ancient structure is referred to by its name, Navratangarh, which translates to “nine-story building.” Only a three-story structure remains visible. According to some, landlords have seized control of six floors. As a result, only three-story structures are presently visible from above. However, as per the Archaeological Department, definitive information regarding the height of the residence of the kings and queens, five to six stories, cannot be obtained until excavations are complete.
However, according to excavations done by the Archaeological Department in several areas, parts of structures and temples have been discovered underground. There is no nine-story building here, but what is assumed to be a nine-story building may be a five-story one. This is as per the Archaeological Department’s examination. When Frontier India visited the site, we saw just a three-story building, a ruin. Each block contains nine rooms. The name “Navratangarh Fort” is suspected to come from these nine rooms.
The Nagvanshi kings ruled for 355 years. As per what is known, from 1571 to 1925, there were 16 Nagvanshi kings in Gumla district, whose reign lasted for 355 years. Among them, for 193 years, Navratangarh, in the Sisai Block, served as their capital. Here, six Nagvanshi kings ruled. After Doyasagadh, the Nagvanshi kings shifted their capital to Lalgarh in Palakot Block. Palakot remained the capital of the Nagvanshi kings for 162 years. This Palace is completely ruined, with just one dilapidated structure remaining.
