Context:
NCERT book added findings from the DNA analysis of skeletal remains found at the archaeological site of Rakhigarhi
Rakhigarhi:
- Location – Haryana
- On the banks of – Ghaggar river
- Significance – Largest Harappan Site in the Indian subcontinent
- Earlier Mohenjodaro (Pakistan) was considered to be the largest Harappan site
Key Findings:
- Ancient DNA from archaeological sources in Rakhigarhi suggests that the genetic roots of the Harappans go back to 10,000 BCE.
- The study clearly negates the theory of the Harappans having ancestral links with steppe pastoral or ancient Iranian farmers.
- ASI team unearthed a fire altar, parts of a city wall, drainage structures as well as a hoard of semi-precious beads.
- An important find from this site is a cylindrical seal with 5 Harappan characters on one side and a symbol of an alligator on the other
- Ritual system is signified by an animal sacrificial pit lined with mud-brick and triangular and circular fire altars on the mud floor.
- Rakhigarhi gives the 1st evidence of a double burial where the skeletons are clearly male and female
Conservation:
- Global Heritage Fund, declared Rakhigarhi one of the 10 most endangered heritage sites in Asia.
- Union Budget (2020-21) has proposed to develop Rakhigarhi under Iconic Tourist Sites Initiative.
- 4 other archaeological sites under the Program – Hastinapur (Uttar Pradesh), Shivsagar (Assam), Dholavira (Gujarat), and Adichanallur (Tamil Nadu)
Related Article: Important Harappan Sites
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2021 Prelims]
(a) Dholavira
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Rakhigarhi
(d) Ropar
Answer: (a)
