Approximately 12 findings made during archaeological excavations conducted at Aarey Colony in Goregoan have given a boost to the 'Save Aarey' campaign. These findings were revealed at the third Annual Workshops on Exploration in Maharashtra, held by the Centre of Archaeology and Centre of Extra Mural Studies at the University of Mumbai.
A team led by archaeology expert Vinayak Parab took it upon itself to make these findings at Aarey Colony. Talking about them, Parab said: "We were surprised to make these findings there. This is just the tip of the iceberg, there is a lot more to come. There is an interesting finding near the Ganesha Mandir in Aarey."
The team has found remains from the Sheelar Yadav period, along with remains of old settlements and a Kuldevi worship spot of the Malhar Koli community at Ultan Pada. Other findings included five Gaodevi statues, a vaghoba (lion) statue, a kichaka (pillar bracket) worshiped as a Ganesha statue and an unidentified statue. There are also the remains of a diggar temple that can be dated back to the Shelar Yadav period. All of these findings have been excavated from Kelti pada, Marol police quarters, Famous picnic spot, Chhota Kashmir, Marol toll naka and Maroshi.
Sooraj Pandit, another archaeological expert, spoke about the significance of Marol. He said: "We have found links related to the Shelar period that show that Mahim was the earlier capital during the Shelar period, with the capital later moving to Marol." Talking about the findings, Stalin D, an Aarey conservationist, said: "It is brilliant news that Aarey is now not only land meant for natural heritage, but for cultural heritage as well. Aarey has a lot of potential for tourism and can be a good revenue model if the same is seriously considered. Protecting history is important. This adds a feather to our campaign, and we will soon write a letter to the chief minister and the prime minister appealing for permission to explore further possibilities as well."
Another, Aarey conservationist, Priya Mishra, said: "Aarey should be declared as a heritage spot now, which will make it more protected."
