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ASI to explore extension of Harappan culture

Dozen sites in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat under excavation

New Delhi: In its bid to throw more light on the Harappan civilization, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has started excavating about a dozen sites in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

“We have undertaken the excavation of some selected places in the five States to know the extension of Harappan culture and to establish a common link between them,” ASI Director (Excavation and Exploration) R.S. Fonia told PTI.

“Though many excavations were carried out in the past, this is the first attempt to unearth a complete Harappan scenario in the country by correlating the findings at these places.”

Sanauli in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh is under excavation by the ASI.

“The site was a chance discovery while locals undertook levelling work for farming purposes. It has been identified as a prominent site of the late Harappan period,” said Mr. Fonia.

Objects retrieved

“Excavations have unearthed more than 100 burial sites with vases, bowls and swords. Jewellery including bangles and semi precious stones and terracotta figurines were also found at the sites.”

Similar objects are also being found in Ropar in Punjab, Kalibnagan in Rajasthan, Lothal in Gujarat and Rakhigadi in Haryana in the ongoing excavations.

“Now we are excavating further in the areas adjoining to these places to know the indigenous culture of the Harappan period and also to establish a common link between these sites,” said D.V. Sharma, Superintending Archaeologist involved in the excavation of Harappan sites.

Studying drainage system

“Among others we are trying to ascertain the water management system including collection and distribution as well as the sewer and drainage system during those days,” said Mr. Sharma, adding that excavating materials are being sent to laboratories for further tests.

“We are also taking the help of IIT Kanpur in some of our excavation projects. However, there is a proposal for the creation of a specialised cell in ASI for carrying out various scientific exploratory studies like remote sensing, magnetic and thermal resistivity surveys and photogrammetry,” he said.

He also said purchase of equipment like GPR, GPS, 3D laser scanner and related software was also planned.

The large quantity of antiquities recovered from various excavations are lying scattered in various field offices of the ASI. In order to retrieve this voluminous data, plans are in progress to classify documents and digitise the information. — PTI

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