Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Rakhigarhi; Indus-Saraswati Civilisation
Why in the News?
A massive water reservoir recently uncovered at Rakhigarhi reveals advanced Harappan water management practices linked to the Saraswati River.
Do you know?The Centre of Excellence for Research on the Saraswati River (CERSR) at Kurukshetra University conducted a comprehensive study establishing that the Saraswati River, often termed “mythical,” flowed in Haryana until 1402 AD. |
About Rakhigarhi
- Rakhigarhi, located in Hisar, Haryana is the largest site of the Indus-Saraswati Civilisation, dating back to the mature Harappan period (2600–1900 BCE).
- It is situated in the plains of the Saraswati River, about 27 km from the seasonal Ghaggar River.
- First excavated in 1969 by archaeologist Suraj Bhan, it consists of seven mounds and has been a key site for understanding Harappan urban planning and water management.
- Recent findings have pushed the timeline of the civilisation to as early as 6000 BCE.
- In 2020, Rakhigarhi was designated as an Iconic Site under the Union Budget for development and preservation.
- NCERT states that DNA studies from Rakhigarhi suggest the genetic roots of the Harappans trace back to 10,000 BCE.
Significant Features
- Urban Planning: Evidence of well-planned streets, brick houses, and an advanced drainage system.
- Water Management: Discovery of a 3.5–4 feet deep reservoir at Mound 3 indicates advanced water storage systems.
- Cultural Significance: Artifacts such as pottery, terracotta figurines, beads, and copper tools demonstrate artistic and technological advancement.
- Trade and Economy: Marine shells and fishhooks point to long-distance trade and local craftsmanship.
- River Proximity: Located near the paleochannels of the Drishadvati River, a key tributary of the Saraswati River, supporting agriculture and daily life.
Key Findings
- Huge Water Reservoir at Mound 3: Layers of siltation confirm water storage practices during the late Harappan period.
- Artifacts: Items like copper tools, marine shells, and ornate pottery suggest trade and daily life activities.
- Burials: Skeletons and burial goods provide insights into Harappan rituals and social structures.
- DNA Analysis: A 4,600-year-old skeleton showed no Steppe ancestry, challenging the Aryan invasion theory.
- Related Sites: Nearby settlements like Bhirrana and Farmana extend the timeline of the civilisation.
PYQ:[2011] Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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