This probably is the first ever iron sheet recovered from foundation of any water body in the country. The Chairman of NGO, The Braj Foundation engaged in digging this kund out, Vineet Narain while talking to our correspondent told, ‘Braj Foundation has restored over 40 ancient water bodies (kunds) during the past 5 years. All these kunds are of Puranik importance and are believed to be associated with the transcendental pastimes of Sri Radha Krishna.’

Narain told that the scripture titled ‘Samargana Sootradhar’, composed between 1000-1055 AD, during the tenure of Parmar King Raja Bhoj, gives description of the dimensions of an ideal kund. Interestingly enough, the dimensions of Ram Taal match with this description. He said that SK Dubey, the Archeological Officer of UP Govt. feels that finding of an iron sheet from the foundation of a Kund is definitely an unprecedented discovery. However, Dubey feels that several experiments will have to be conducted before arriving at any conclusion.

Prof. Virendra Singh of Govt. Degree College, Kushinagar, who is a resident of Sunrakh village, has been engaged in the study of archeology of Mathura for a long time, believes that Ram Taal finds mention in ancient Sanskrit scripture ‘Brajvaastuvarnanam’. According to him this structure is of Kushan period. He admits that discovery of a huge iron sheet from this kund is definitely a major finding, which should be subjected to carbon-dating.

According to Singh, it is important because even in the remotest areas from Mathura, there are no sources of iron ores. However, five national highways passed through Mathura, during Kushan period.

Narain feels, that since river Yamuna flows close to this site and the commercial boats used to pass through this area, that is how probably the iron was procured from far off places and this sheet was created by molded iron. He further feels that probably this was done to avoid the possible damage caused by seepage of Yamuna water. He added that some archeologists from Bengaluru have taken the samples of these findings for further study however, they are of the opinion that this kund is 2900 years old.

The villagers of Sunrakh village are thrilled with this finding of Braj Foundation. It was on their written and repeated requests, we undertook this job and now the villagers feel that once developed, this site, like Lothal, Harappa and Kalibangan will become a world heritage site, which will give them both glory and employment. Narain told that, ‘the site of this kund, had become a flat agricultural field and was liberally encroached by the builders and other vested interests.

It was a herculean task to reclaim this land, which we could do with the help of villagers and local administration. However, 2 acres of land of Ram Taal, according to the revenue records, is still under illegal possession, which needs to be reclaimed for us by the Mathura District Administration for complete development of this site.

Engaged for the last 10 years in the restoration of dozens of kunds, forests, heritage buildings and other sites in Braj, through The Braj Foundation, well known journalist and Foundation’s Chairman, Vineet Narain said that along with Ram Taal there are over 40 other Kunds, which have been excavated by us. This entire operation of de-silting the water bodies and conserving more than 3 Lakh cubic meters of water, is being done with the generous financial support of Kamal Morarka, the Chairman of Gannon Dunkerley Group Mumbai and former Minister PMO, told Narain. He informed that The Braj Foundation, with the financial support of Morarka, will soon develop Ram Taal as a beautiful tourism destination and archeological.

Ever since Narain met the new CM of UP Akhilesh Yadav on 27 March this year and explained him the importance of developing Braj, Yadav has been taking keen interest in Braj affairs by involving Vineet Narain and the team of The Braj Foundation in all official meetings regarding Braj development.

Incidentally, Braj Foundation has prepared an exhaustive, Braj Tourism Master Plan for UP Govt. and has been engaged in scientifically studying every aspect of Braj area for its proper and aesthetic development, claimed Narain.