The federal archaeology department confirmed that the chambers discovered date back to the Mughal period. "Two rows of chambers with thick walls making a narrow passage, possibly to the fort's chambers have been discovered," the department's senior architecture Maqsood Ahmad told Dawn.

He said the plaster and niche were in good condition. Some 10 to 15 feet down from the ground level, its super structure was of Sikh period, he said and added that thorough study would explain the other details.

Ahmad said under the Antiquity Act 1975 and the Punjab Special Premises Ordinance 1986, no construction is allowed at the historical sites.

A large number of people have been gathering there for the last few days to see the discovered structure. However, the administration of Ravi Town has erected a gate to prevent them from viewing the site, the newspaper said.