With the agricultural activities causing irreparable damage to excavation sites at Rakhigarhi and Rakhishahpur village in Hissar district, Haryana, the Centre has moved to include these sites under its protection. The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) last week issued a notification seeking to declare the two mounds, identified as Mound VI and Mound VII at the villages, known for their significant evidence related to the Indus Valley Civilization. Archaeologists regard Rakhigarhi as one of the largest Indus Valley sites, with valuable artifacts and historical evidence excavated since the ASI began its work in the region in 1963.

The need for Central protection measures gained urgency by recent damage to a skeleton by the farmers in the region. It was excavated by ASI excavation team led by its director Dr Sanjay K Manjul. The skeleton, believed to be over 4,000 years old was found in a cemetery at Mound VII.

Currently, Mounds VI and VII are privately owned, necessitating Government acquisition of the land and compensation to the farmers. An ASI official stated that including the sites in the protection list would help preserve historical evidence and ensure that future generations appreciate this ancient civilisation.

According to the information available, there are seven mounds at the Harappan site in Rakhigarhi village. Mounds 1, 2, 3, and parts of 4 and 5 are already under ASI control, but Mounds 6 and 7 remain privately owned. Mound 6 covers 33 acre, while Mound 7 spans about six acre, both currently owned by farmers are used for agriculture.

The lack of preservation at these sites has already impacted the historical evidence.

“The skull of the skeleton is badly damaged… The damage might have been the result of the agricultural activities in the area,” said Manjul, as per a media report. He also pointed out that sand mining by the farmers poses a serious threat to the site.

He said while the rest of the skeleton is in good condition, the skull has sustained damage. “Agricultural activities by farmers over the years seem to have damaged part of the skull.

This damage may make it challenging to extract a DNA sample for further analysis,” he said. In addition to the skeleton, the excavation unearthed 21 earthen utensils found near the remains. “The skeleton appears to be that of a middle-aged man. Our previous excavations have revealed similar burial rituals involving utensils, suggesting continuity in these practices,” Manjul noted.

The team also discovered a seal from Mound number 3.

Rakhigarhi is recognised as one of the largest sites of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Current excavations underscore its significance as a major metropolis of ancient times, featuring a well-planned urban layout with distinct residential, industrial, and institutional areas, as well as a cemetery.

Signed by Yadubir Singh Rawat, Director General of the ASI, the organisation on August 3, 2024 issued a draft notification seeking public objections and comments that aims to prevent encroachment and mitigate the impact of agricultural activities by declaring the sites of national importance.

It states: “Whereas the Central Government is of the opinion that the archaeological site and remains as specified in the site plan and schedule annexed hereto are of national importance; Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 4 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (24 of 1958)…

“…the Central Government hereby gives notice of its intention to declare the said archaeological site (mound VI and mound VII) and remains to be of national importance.”

The recognition of Rakhigarhi as one of Asia’s most endangered heritage sites by the Global Heritage Fund underscores the urgency of safeguarding this historical treasure.