Pandu Rajar Dhibi, nestled along the banks of the Ajay River in West Bengal's Burdwan district, is a treasure trove of archaeological significance. This site, dating back to the 2nd millennium BCE, offers a glimpse into the Chalcolithic or Copper Age civilization of eastern India.
This remarkable site sheds light on the protohistoric period of eastern India, a time often overshadowed by the illustrious Harappan Civilization. It reveals the presence of advanced agricultural communities with urban characteristics, linking eastern India to broader cultural and trade networks of the era.
Excavations at Pandu Rajar Dhibi have unearthed an array of fascinating artifacts. These include black and red ware, black burnished ware, lustrous red ware, semi-precious beads, copper objects, and evidence of rice cultivation. Such discoveries indicate a sophisticated settlement with both local and external influences, hinting at possible maritime trade connections.
The findings at Pandu Rajar Dhibi challenge the prevailing notion that the rest of the Indian subcontinent, apart from the Indus Valley Civilization, was merely composed of small, insignificant settlements. This site illustrates that eastern India had its own complex societies during the Chalcolithic era.
The presence of rice (Oryza Sativa L Gramineae) at Pandu Rajar Dhibi marks a pivotal transition in agricultural practices from millet to rice cultivation. This discovery is crucial for understanding the evolution of agriculture in the region.
Inhabitants of this ancient site lived in mud houses equipped with sophisticated amenities. These included lime or gypsum-plastered floors, spacious rooms, and halls with curved pavements. The settlement exhibited urban traits, such as a complex ceramic industry and the use of copper and iron objects.
The discovery of extended, flexed, and secondary burials at Pandu Rajar Dhibi suggests similarities in burial practices with regions like Central India and the Deccan, indicating shared cultural or religious practices across different areas.
Further research is imperative to uncover the indigenous and regional imprints in the material culture of Pandu Rajar Dhibi. Exploring the extent of its connections with other regions, including potential maritime trade routes, is vital. Recent surveys in surrounding areas have already revealed new sites, showcasing the rich archaeological potential of eastern India.
The evidence from Pandu Rajar Dhibi suggests the possibility of an early maritime history in eastern India, potentially influenced by Harappan traders as early as the 2nd millennium BCE. This underscores the need for comprehensive research to fully understand maritime interactions in ancient India.
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