The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has granted approval for excavations at the Rakhigarhi site in Hisar, Haryana, a significant location that could challenge the Aryan migration theory by suggesting that the Aryans were indigenous to India.
Additionally, excavations at Sinauli in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, have uncovered artifacts and structures linked to the Mahabharata period, making it a crucial site for studying ancient Indian epic history. These excavations are poised to further reveal India's rich historical and cultural heritage.
In addition to these two notable sites, the ASI, under the Union Culture Ministry, has recently approved an extensive array of prominent sites at 45 locations across the States with Purana Qila (Old Fort in India), being one of them, that span different regions and historical periods.
“A total of 45 excavation sites have been cleared for this year, said an official from the ASI. “Permission for excavation has been granted at mound no I, II, III and V at Rakhigarhi, Rakhikhas and Rakhi Shahpur in Hissar to explore more about the site's structure and history.
Recently, the top conservation body for the monuments had issued notification for bringing the two other mounds VI and VII at the Rakhigarhi site under its fold to protect it from encroachment and degradation of the important artifects that have been recovered from the area so far.
The official elaborated that excavations so far from the Rakhigarhi has indicated that it is part of the Indus Valley Civilization and has yielded findings that contribute to our understanding of ancient Indian history and the Aryan question. More excavations will be conducted to strengthen the belief. Similarly, the discoveries at Sinauli offer insights into the material culture and societal practices during that era.
“This time again permission has been given for Rakhigarhi. This is one of the most unexcavated site and we are sure it will be turn out to be a treasure trove of our past history, the official added. The archaeological site and remains at Sadikpur Sinauli in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district where evidence of the existence of a warrior class around 2,000 BCE was discovered in 2018 have been declared to be of “national importance” by the ASI.
Assam’s Katilcherra in Hailkandi, Group of four Moidams in Charaideo, both in Assam, Madhya Pradesh’s Panna Nachna Kuthara, Stone Circles at Khairwada in Wardha in Maharashtra, Buddhist Stupa at Tajpur Deur in East Champaran in Bihar, Kalameshwara Temples at Haisi in Karnataka’s Belagavi district are some of the sites where excavation has been granted permission.
Other major excavations will be undertaken at Purana Qila (Old Fort) in Delhi, Lothal, at Ahmedabad in Gujarat, Karti-wdre in village Khanpora Budgam in Jammu and Kashmir.
In addition to the ASI-led excavations, nod has been given to various universities for digging at 12 locations such as Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, Molapalayam in Tamil Nadu and Mandu, in Dhra district in Madhya Pradesh while State governments will oversee excavations at 13 other sites.
Moidam of Charaideo of Assam which was declared a world heritage last year is again on the radar of the archeologists given its historical importance.
The Chairdeo Maidams are a burial system that served as the burial mounds for Ahom Kings and Queens. The site contains about 90 Maidams of varying sizes and were built by covering hollow vaults of bricks or stones with earth.
“This time ASI is also going to dig around the area, known for its rich heritage,” the official added.
Similarly, at various sites in Purana Quila i.e. in Old Fort in the national capital where excavations have revealed pre-Mauryan era settlement will be further dug up. “The excavations have found pottery shards dating to around 1200 BC to 600 BC, the remains of a 2,500 year-old ring well from the Mauryan era, and a four-room complex probably built 2,300 years ago,” said the official, hoping that the site has more to reveal.
