“Unearthing the Secrets of India’s Ancient Burial Ground”
In India, archaeologists have uncovered a vast burial site dating back to the early days of one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations. Situated in the remote Kutch region of Gujarat, not far from Pakistan, the site has surprised researchers, who initially believed it was an ancient settlement but soon realized it was a cemetery.
Over three excavation seasons, involving a team of more than 150 Indian and international scientists, approximately 500 graves have been identified, shedding light on the Indus society, also known as the Harappan civilization. This civilization, characterized by its walled cities and thriving trade, emerged over 5,300 years ago in the north-western regions of India and Pakistan.
The burial ground near Khatiya village in Gujarat is believed to be one of the largest “pre-urban” cemeteries of the Indus society, in use for about 500 years, from 3200BC to 2600BC, making some of the oldest graves around 5,200 years old. The excavation has revealed a range of artifacts, including beads, bangles, and ceramic vessels, offering insight into the culture and burial practices of this ancient society.
The graves themselves exhibit unique features, such as sandstone-lined burial shafts pointing in various directions, oval and rectangular shapes, and smaller graves for children. Despite the acidic soil, some skeletal remains have been partially preserved.
The discovery raises questions about the significance of the burial ground and its relationship to nearby settlements, prompting further investigations. Researchers hope that additional chemical studies and DNA testing will provide insights into the lives and identities of the early inhabitants.
The mysteries of the Indus civilization, including its undeciphered writing, persist, but ongoing excavations offer hope for uncovering more about this ancient society, potentially including a nearby settlement that could provide crucial context for the cemetery.
