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Unveiling Rakhigarhi: Recent Discoveries from the Harappan Civilization

Understanding the Significance of Rakhigarhi's Archaeological Findings

Unveiling Rakhigarhi: Recent Discoveries from the Harappan Civilization

  • 25 Dec, 2024
  • 489

Latest Discoveries at Rakhigarhi

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently designated two additional mounds, known as mound 6 and mound 7, at Rakhigarhi as protected sites. These mounds have revealed significant artifacts from the Harappan civilization, providing crucial insights into this ancient society.

Location of Rakhigarhi

Rakhigarhi is situated in the Hisar district of Haryana, India. It is recognized as one of the largest and most important sites of the Harappan civilization, which thrived during the Bronze Age.

Significance of the Discovery

This discovery offers valuable information about the Harappan civilization's burial customs, urban planning, and the types of artifacts they created. The human skeletons unearthed at the site are particularly important for understanding the origins and genetic history of the Harappan population.

Findings from the New Mounds

Mound 7: This mound contains a graveyard with approximately 60 human skeletons. DNA analysis indicates that the Harappan people had unique genetic traits.
Mound 6: Artifacts recovered from this mound include Harappan-era pottery and jewelry crafted from precious stones, shedding light on their artistic skills and decorative preferences.

Previous Discoveries at Rakhigarhi

Earlier excavations at Rakhigarhi have led to the discovery of:

  • Evidence of town planning: This suggests the existence of a well-organized urban settlement.
  • A granary: Indicating advanced agricultural techniques and storage solutions.
  • Various artifacts: These include pottery, steatite beads, shells, agate and carnelian objects, hunting tools, blades, shell bracelets, and stone beads.

Number of Mounds at Rakhigarhi

Rakhigarhi comprises a total of seven mounds that cover an area of about 400 hectares. These mounds are representative of different zones within the ancient settlement, including residential and agricultural areas.

ASI's Protection Efforts

The ASI has officially protected six out of the seven mounds at Rakhigarhi under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958. This legal protection safeguards these areas from potential damage. Furthermore, the ASI is collaborating with the state government to acquire land from local villagers to ensure the site's long-term preservation.

Learning More About Rakhigarhi

For those interested in further exploring Rakhigarhi and the Harappan civilization, more information can be found on the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) website, through research publications, and at museums housing artifacts from this remarkable civilization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What recent discoveries have been made at Rakhigarhi?
Answer: The ASI has declared two additional mounds as protected sites, revealing valuable findings such as human skeletons, pottery, and ornaments from the Harappan civilization.

Q2. Why is Rakhigarhi significant?
Answer: Rakhigarhi is vital for understanding the Harappan civilization's urban planning and burial practices, offering insights into their societal structure.

Q3. How many mounds are there at Rakhigarhi?
Answer: There are seven mounds at Rakhigarhi, representing various aspects of the ancient settlement, including habitation and agricultural areas.

Q4. What is the role of the ASI in protecting Rakhigarhi?
Answer: The ASI has protected six mounds legally to prevent damage and is working with the state government to secure land for conservation.

Q5. Where can I find more information about Rakhigarhi?
Answer: Additional information can be accessed through the ASI website, academic publications, and museums featuring Harappan artifacts.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What recent findings have been protected at Rakhigarhi?
A) Historical manuscripts
B) Harappan-era pottery
C) Human skeletons
D) Fossils
Correct Answer: C

Question 2: What does the discovery of mound 6 indicate?
A) Evidence of foreign trade
B) Advanced agricultural practices
C) High craftsmanship in jewelry
D) Primitive living conditions
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: How many mounds are present at Rakhigarhi?
A) Five
B) Six
C) Seven
D) Eight
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: Which organization declared the mounds at Rakhigarhi as protected sites?
A) UNESCO
B) ASI
C) ICOMOS
D) Archaeological Society of India
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What type of analysis was conducted on the skeletons found at Rakhigarhi?
A) Carbon dating
B) DNA analysis
C) Isotope analysis
D) Radiographic analysis
Correct Answer: B

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