Tomara dynasty once thrived here. Anangpur stands as a testament to a rich past. This historical village near Faridabad in Haryana holds secrets of bygone eras. Anangpur forms a geographical triangle with Mehrauli and Tughluqabad. It served as an early settlement for the Tomaras.
Anangpal Tomar established Anangpur as his capital. He built a fort and various monuments. Anangpal I, the first king of the Tomara dynasty, declared independence in the 8th century. He expanded his kingdom from here. Numerous palaces and temples were built during his reign. Today many have diminished.
Later, Anangpal II constructed Delhi’s Lal Kot. This was later renovated by Prithviraj Chauhan. The Chahamanas of Shakambhari overthrew the Tomara dynasty. Prithviraj Chauhan was the last Chahamana king. Qila Rai Pithora, earlier called Lal Kot, is named after him.
For 457 years, the Tanwar dynasty ruled northern India. Anangpur was their first capital. Dhillikapuri, also known as Delhi or Lal Kot, became their last.
Archaeological discoveries reveal an even older story. In 1986, the Anangpur Group of Paleolithic Sites was discovered. This cluster includes 43 prehistoric sites with rock art. The Mangar Bani site, found in 2021, may extend these sites. Stone Age relics and microliths have been found near Surajkund and the Anagpur Dam. These discoveries suggest early human settlement in this area. The southern hilly area of Delhi and Haryana suited prehistoric man.
These sites stretch from Ankhir village in the south to Tughlaqabad in the north. Key locations include Anangpur Dam, Shilakhari, and Mangar Bani. Prehistoric paintings and tools have been found in Kot village. Haryana surveyed the site in 2021. The Archaeological Survey of India photographed it in June 2023.
Efforts are underway to protect this historical area. The Haryana Archaeological Department has proposed notifying the area as a protected site. Ground truthing exercises are being conducted to verify land data. Conservation plans involve engaging research laboratories. The goal is to conserve rock art and paintings through scientific dating.
Anangpur Dam stands as a hydraulic engineering marvel from the 8th century. Ruins of a fortification surround it. Nearby, Surajkund is a 10th-century reservoir. It collected water from the Anangpur Dam.
Anangpal Tomar’s son, Surajpal, built Surajkund. He was a sun worshipper. He built a sun temple on its western bank. Surajkund is famous for the annual Surajkund International Craft Mela.
Today, Anangpur village has a population of over 30,000. The Hari Parbat Mandir is located on a hillock near Anangpur. It is a replica of the Mata Sharika Chakreshwar Hari Parbat Srinagar temple. Kashmiri Pandits observe their Nav Reh festival here. Anangpur offers glimpses into India’s ancient past and cultural heritage. Its layered history spans millennia, from Paleolithic settlements to the Tomara dynasty. Preserving this heritage ensures future generations can appreciate Anangpur’s legacy.