Declaration of Protected Harappan Sites

The Haryana government has declared two 4,400-year-old Harappan civilisation sites in Bhiwani district as protected archaeological sites.

About the Harrapan sites

• The sites are located in the villages of Tighrana and Mitathal.
• The Mitathal site, covering 10 acres, will be protected under the Haryana Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964.
• Measures such as fencing and deploying security guards will be taken to safeguard these sites.

Harappan Sites and Their Features

Mitathal Village Site

• Discovery: it was first discovered in 1913 when coins of Samudra Gupta were found.
• Excavations: It was conducted from 1965 to 1968, revealing beads, copper implements, and proto-historic materials.
• Research: Further  excavations and research were conducted four times (2016, 2020, 2021, and 2024) by the Central University team.
• Planning: Evidence of Harappan town planning, architecture, and arts was found.
• Pottery: Sturdy red ware painted with pipal leaf, fish scale, and geometric designs was discovered.
• Artifacts: Items found include beads, bangles, terracotta, stone, shell, copper, ivory, and bone objects.

Tighrana Village Site

• Continuity: Tighrana Village Site contains post-Harappan remains, showing the continuity of human settlement.
• Inhabitants: First inhabited around 2,400 BCE by Chalcolithic agricultural communities (Sothians).
• Houses: Early settlers lived in small mud-brick houses with thatched roofs.
• Livelihood: Engaged in agriculture and animal domestication, using wheel-made pottery with black-and-white designs.
• Periods: The site contains remains from Pre-Siswal, Pre-Harappan, and Post-Harappan periods.
• Industry: Beads and green carnelian bangles suggest a thriving bead-making and jewellery industry.

Importance of Protecting These Sites

• Protection from Damage: Before this declaration, the sites were treated as agricultural land, leading to damage.
• Loss of the site  : A considerable part of Mitathal and Tighrana has already been lost due to human activities.
• Preservation: The declaration of protected status ensures preservation and further study of the Harappan civilisation.
• Insights of Ancient India: These sites provide critical insights into early urban planning, culture, and craftsmanship in ancient India.
• Further research: Proper protection will prevent further damage and allow future archaeological discoveries to enhance historical understanding.