Rare Copper Plate Inscriptions Found In Malhar Historical Site, Finds Mention In PM’s ‘Maan Ki Baat’

The discovery has found mention in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 134^th episode of ‘Maan Ki Baat’, a radio programme aired on Sunday.

A senior officer of the state culture department disclosed to this newspaper on Sunday that the artifacts, associated with the Panduvamsi period particularly the era of Maharshi Balarjun, was found in the possession of a private person, identified as Sanjeev Pandey, in the historical site of Malhar, during the ongoing “Gyan Bharatam Campaign”.

“The inscriptions provide valuable insights into the governance system, culture, religion and social life of the Panduvansi period”, the officer of the state culture department said.

The inscriptions are written in ancient Brahmi script and Pali language.

“The artifact stands as strong evidence of Chhattisgarh’s rich historical legacy”, chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said while highlighting PM Mr. Modi’s reference to the significant finding, in his ‘Maan Ki Baat’ programme.

Mr. Sai described the discovery at Malhar not merely as an archaeological achievement but as an important chapter connected to collective memory, historical awareness and knowledge for future generations.

Malhar, located 30 km from district headquarters of Bilaspur, is a significant ancient town, serving as an archaeological treasury with remnants dating from 1000 BCE to the Kalachuri period.

It was a major cultural, trade and art hub ruled by dynasties like Maurya, Satavahana, Panduvansi, and Kalachuri.

The site showcases continuous habitation from prehistoric period (1000 BCE) through Satavahana, Somvanshi and Kalachuri period (up to 1300 BCE).