Rakhaldas Banerjee (also spelled Banerji) was a prominent Indian archaeologist associated with the Archaeological Survey of India during British colonial rule. He is best remembered for his groundbreaking discovery of Mohenjo-daro, one of the largest cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. Banerjee lived from 1885 to 1930.
The Indus Valley Civilization, often referred to as the Harappan Civilization, was a Bronze Age civilization that thrived from approximately 3300 to 1300 BCE. It extended over a vast region, covering parts of present-day northeast Afghanistan and northwest India.
Mohenjo-daro, which translates to "mound of the dead men" in Sindhi, was a major urban center of the Indus Valley Civilization, situated in modern-day Sindh, Pakistan. Banerjee unearthed its ruins in the early 1900s, revealing significant insights into ancient urban life.
The unearthing of Mohenjo-daro was a monumental achievement, as it demonstrated the existence of a sophisticated urban civilization in the Indian subcontinent, existing alongside ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. This discovery greatly enhanced our understanding of early human history and urban planning.
Although Banerjee's discovery was pivotal, his legacy is somewhat overshadowed by controversies during his tenure with the Archaeological Survey of India. His independent approach and disputes with colonial protocols reportedly hampered his recognition. Additionally, some of his findings faced inadequate acknowledgment at the time.
Banerjee was embroiled in several controversies, including attempts to acquire artifacts without proper authorization and relocating sculptures without permission. Moreover, he faced scrutiny over the financial accounting of excavation grants. He was implicated in the alleged theft of an idol from a Hindu shrine, which led to his resignation from the ASI, although he was later exonerated.
Yes, Banerjee encountered numerous challenges, including navigating the bureaucratic structures of the Archaeological Survey of India under British rule and dealing with limited funding for his projects. His independent spirit frequently conflicted with established protocols of the time.
Despite the controversies, Rakhaldas Banerjee is celebrated as the pioneering archaeologist who discovered Mohenjo-daro, marking a crucial moment in understanding the Indus Valley Civilization. He remains an influential figure for historians and scholars, especially in Bengal, his birthplace.
Q1. Who was Rakhaldas Banerjee?
Answer: Rakhaldas Banerjee was an Indian archaeologist known for discovering Mohenjo-daro, a significant city of the Indus Valley Civilization, during the British colonial period.
Q2. What is the significance of Mohenjo-daro?
Answer: Mohenjo-daro is vital for understanding early urban planning and civilization in the Indian subcontinent, as it coexisted with other ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia and Egypt.
Q3. Why are there controversies surrounding Banerjee?
Answer: Banerjee faced controversies related to unauthorized artifact acquisition and financial discrepancies, which affected his reputation during his time at the Archaeological Survey of India.
Q4. What challenges did Banerjee encounter in his work?
Answer: He struggled with bureaucratic obstacles, limited funding, and conflicts with established protocols, which impacted his archaeological endeavors.
Q5. What is Rakhaldas Banerjee's legacy today?
Answer: Banerjee is remembered as a pioneer in Indian archaeology, whose discovery of Mohenjo-daro significantly contributed to our understanding of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Question 1: What civilization is Mohenjo-daro associated with?
A) Mesopotamian Civilization
B) Indus Valley Civilization
C) Egyptian Civilization
D) Minoan Civilization
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: In which modern-day country is Mohenjo-daro located?
A) India
B) Pakistan
C) Afghanistan
D) Bangladesh
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What was Rakhaldas Banerjee's role in archaeology?
A) He was a historian.
B) He was a painter.
C) He was an archaeologist.
D) He was a novelist.
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: Which period does the Indus Valley Civilization belong to?
A) Iron Age
B) Bronze Age
C) Stone Age
D) Medieval Period
Correct Answer: B
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