Rakhigarhi Harappan site: Jewellery making unit, structured houses, kitchen complex, drainage
Recent excavations at Rakhigarhi (Haryana) have yielded evidence of drainage system, copper and gold ornaments.
Rakhigarhi was first excavated in the year 1998-2001. This site is situated on the right bank of the dried up ancient route of the river Drishadvati. Seven mounds have been obtained from here.
Main antiquities found from Rakhigarhi-
- A noble settlement has been obtained. In addition, pieces of copper and gold ornaments, terracotta toys, thousands of pottery, seals, etc. have been found.
- Skeletons of two women have been found, which are believed to be about 5,000 years old. These skeletons will be sent for DNA testing.
About Rakhigarhi
- It is one of the five largest known Harappan cities.
- The excavation of this site was done under the direction of Amarendra Nath of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
- Evidence of the developed phase of Harappa has been received from here. These evidences include houses made of raw clay bricks as well as cooked bricks, planned cities, proper drainage systems, etc.
- Evidence of a ceramic pot making industry has been found. Red pottery has also been found from here. Pools made of mud bricks for animal sacrifice have also been found. Apart from these, triangular and circular fire altars have also been found.
- A cylindrical seal has been obtained. It has five Harappan characters on one side and an alligator symbol on the other.
- Apart from this some evidence of cremation has also been found, which certainly belongs to a much later stage. They can be of medieval period.
- A plan to develop five iconic archaeological sites with museums was announced in Budget 2020. The excavation at Rakhigarhi in Hisar is a part of this plan.
Source – The Hindu
