Ground penetrating radar investigations at Ahichhatra: An attempt to identify buried subsurface structures

Ahichhatra, is 20 km from Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh, one of the most ancient settlements in India. It encompasses differential accumulation of cultural and structural deposits beginning from 2500BC-1200AD. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey, involving both 2D & 3D profiling, helped in finding the buried structures at the site and also in understanding the pattern of occupancy. GPR and surface investigations carried out at Ahichhatra revealed slumped and displaced walls, warped surfaces, buried pavements and ruins of various foundations that spread over a wide range of area. These evidences are indicative of a large magnitude earthquake related damage and deformation, most likely having earthquake source in Himalayan foothills.