Rakhigarhi: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has uncovered a major historical find during its recent excavations at Rakhigarhi, widely recognised as the largest known location of the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC). Researchers successfully recovered eight ancient skeletons from a mature Harappan cemetery located at Mound No. 7. According to ASI Superintending Archaeologist Manoj Saxena, five of these remains have already been safely retrieved, with three transferred to the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) in Kolkata for structural evaluation and another sample dispatched to the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) in Lucknow for advanced DNA testing.
Initial skeletal analysis indicates that the remains belong to two women in their 40s and one adult male, though three other skeletons sustained noticeable damage over the years due to local farming activities. In a historic first for the site, archaeologists discovered nearly 40 pottery vessels left as offerings alongside each burial, shattering the previous record of 27 vessels found with a single skeleton. The female remains were also found adorned with traditional shell bangles on their wrists and accompanied by intricate gold beads, providing deeper insights into the burial traditions and social customs of the ancient society.
The extensive digging season, which commenced on February 22 and concluded earlier this month, also marked the very first excavation of Mound No. 5. This specific zone yielded remnants of residential buildings, hearths, domestic utensils, and decorative beads, establishing that the area functioned as a bustling social and economic centre approximately 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. This collaborative effort between the ASI and Deccan College, Pune, adds to the 70 skeletons recovered from the 550-hectare site over the past two decades, with scientists optimistic that subsequent laboratory analysis will further illuminate the lifestyle of one of the earliest urban civilisations.
