Morhar hill at Sutiambe. Telegraph picture

Ranchi, Sept. 4: Tourists could soon experience the Nagvanshi dynasty of Chhotanagpur at Sutiambe, an archaeological site near Kanke, which would be open for visitors soon.

The site, located 20km from the state capital, was once ruled by Nagvanshi king Fanimukut Rai in 58AD.

The work at the site was initiated by the state art and culture department in association with the architecture department of BIT, Mesra, that designed the master plan.

The architecture department, as part of its masterplan has designed the places of worship, basic amenities, interpretation centre and ways to reach the Sutiambe Hill, where temple of Lord Shiv exists.

The culture department plans to turn the place into a heritage-cum-tourist centre.

The assistant director of the art department, H.P. Sinha, archaeologist Kumar Anand and archaeological engineer Ratan Kuma, inspected the site recently.

Archaeologists have discovered old structures like the Sun Temple, Shiv Temple, Idgah of Sher Shah, Ram Temple. the fort of Nagvanshi Dynasty on the Murhu hill in Sutiambe and the caves of the first king of the Munda tribe, Maharaja Madra Munda.

“A concrete road has been constructed from the Main Road to the site for tourists. We have also plans to build a restaurant,” said Sinha.

Amenities like a well, hand pump, guardroom are also constructed. “We are also planning to come up with the museum where loose sculpture of great significance will be placed,” added the assistant director.

Morhar Hill was made the centre of religious and social activities and the practice of animal sacrifice was prevalent during those days.

“One part of the work is done. We have already invested about Rs 1 crore,” said Ajay Khare, head of the architecture department, BIT, Mesra.