The archaeological site of Rakhigarhi, known as one of the largest Harappan sites in the Indian subcontinent, has been of interest to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for several years. Recently, this site has garnered further attention due to a series of significant findings during new rounds of excavation. The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, thrived around 2,500 BC and was one of the four ancient urban civilizations globally, alongside Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China.
Rakhigarhi: An Overview
Rakhigarhi is situated in the Indian subcontinent and is acknowledged as the largest Harappan site. Other significant sites of the Indus valley Civilization include Harappa and Mohenjodaro in Pakistan, Dholavira in Gujarat, India, and Ganveriwala in Pakistan. Excavations conducted at Rakhigarhi aim at tracing the site’s origins and studying its evolution from 6000 BCE (Pre-Harappan phase) to 2500 BCE. The ASI’s Amarendra Nath led the most recent excavation of the site.
In 2020, Rakhigarhi was declared one of the five iconic sites by the Union Finance Minister during his Budget Speech. The other four sites include Hastinapur in Uttar Pradesh, Sivasagar in Assam, Dholavira in Gujarat, and Adichanallur in Tamil Nadu.
Insights From The Excavation
The latest round of excavation at Rakhigarhi has unveiled much about the life, culture, and habits of its ancient inhabitants. One of the main objectives behind the excavation was to make the archaeological site accessible to the public by uncovering the structural remains and conserving them for future viewing.
The excavation process revealed the layout of some houses, lanes, and drainage systems, all indicative of a highly planned urban settlement. Artefacts such as pieces of copper and gold jewellery, terracotta toys, numerous earthen pots and seals were also discovered. Additionally, two human skeletons were found, from which DNA samples were taken for scientific examination to gain insights into the ancestry and dietary habits of people who lived in the region thousands of years ago.
Key Findings From The Site
On a deeper exploration of the site, planned townships with mud-brick and burnt-brick houses alongside a proper drainage system were discovered. The ceramic industry thrived during that period, with red ware ceramics including dish-on-stand, vase and perforated jar being common finds. Other artefacts that signified the Harappan lifestyle and rituals included animal sacrificial pits lined with mud-brick, and triangular and circular fire altars on the mud floor.
Significant relics also include an alligator symbol inscribed cylindrical seal, blades, terracotta and shell bangles, beads of semi-precious stones, copper objects, and toy cart frames and wheels of terracotta. Several burial sites were excavated, revealing that extended burials were a common practice in the later stages of the civilization.
DNA Study Sheds Light On Harappan Origin
A groundbreaking finding was the result of DNA analysis from skeletal remains that indicated that the Harappan Civilization had an independent origin. The DNA study carried out on remains excavated from Rakhigarhi contradicted previous theories suggesting that the Harappans had Steppe pastoral or ancient Iranian farmer ancestry. This revelation places the Harappan civilization as a distinct entity separate from other known ancient civilizations.
The Indus Valley Civilization
The Harappan Civilization, commonly referred to as the Indus Valley Civilization, flourished in the contemporary regions of Pakistan and Western India around 2,500 BC. The Indus Valley houses the largest among the four ancient urban civilizations known to humanity. Archaeological excavations conducted in the 1920s in the Indus Valley revealed ruins of two old cities, Mohenjodaro and Harappa.
The recent excavation findings at Rakhigarhi add to our knowledge of the lifestyle, culture, rituals, and origins of our ancestors, providing a clearer understanding of one of the first urban civilizations. From architecture to ritual practices, the Harappan civilization exhibits striking complexity and coherence, reflecting a society that was both advanced and ordered.