Declaration of Protected Harappan Sites

3 Apr 2025

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.
Additional Reading: Harappan Sites

Archive Calendar

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

Aiming for UPSC?

Download Our App

      
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">






    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.