TIGHRANA & MITATHAL SITE: HISTORY
NEWS: Haryana Declares Two Harappan Sites as Protected Archaeological Zones
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
The Haryana government has officially declared two ancient Harappan civilisation sites in Bhiwani district — Tighrana and Mitathal — as protected archaeological sites under the Haryana Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964.
1. Location and Time Period:
• Both sites, located in the villages of Mitathal and Tighrana, date back approximately 4,400 years to the Harappan civilisation period.
2. Protected Status:
• The Mitathal site spans about 10 acres and will now be protected under state law.
• Protective measures such as fencing, deployment of security personnel, and restriction of unauthorised activities will be undertaken.
3. Site 1: Mitathal Village – Key Highlights:
• Discovery: Initially came into the limelight in 1913 when coins belonging to Samudra Gupta were discovered.
• Major Excavations: Excavation activities took place between 1965 to 1968, uncovering proto-historic materials, copper tools, and ornamental beads.
• Recent Research: Central University teams carried out further excavation phases in 2016, 2020, 2021, and 2024.
• Urban Planning Evidence: Clear signs of Harappan urban planning, such as architectural structures, well-designed layouts, and civic amenities were found.
• Pottery Findings: Unearthed pottery included sturdy red ware painted with symbols like pipal leaves, fish scales, and geometric patterns.
• Artifacts: Items recovered included terracotta, beads, bangles, shells, stone, copper, ivory, and bone objects, showcasing artistic and cultural richness.
4. Site 2: Tighrana Village – Key Highlights:
• Historical Continuity: Site displays post-Harappan remains, suggesting continued human settlement.
• Initial Inhabitants: First occupied around 2,400 BCE by Chalcolithic agricultural communities, also known as Sothians.
• Housing Patterns: Inhabitants lived in small mud-brick houses with thatched roofs, reflecting early rural living.
• Livelihood Practices: Engaged in agriculture and animal domestication. They used wheel-made pottery decorated with black-and-white designs.
• Cultural Layers: Site presents remains from Pre-Siswal, Pre-Harappan, and Post-Harappan periods.
• Craft Industry: Discovery of beads and green carnelian bangles indicates a flourishing jewellery and bead-making industry.
5. Importance of Declaration and Protection:
• Protection from Encroachment: Earlier, these sites were treated as agricultural land, leading to substantial human-caused damage.
• Site Loss: A significant portion of both Mitathal and Tighrana sites has already been lost due to farming, construction, and soil excavation.
• Preservation of Heritage: Declaration ensures long-term preservation and enables scientific archaeological research.
• Understanding Ancient India: The sites offer rich insights into urban life, planning, craftsmanship, and cultural development of ancient Indian society.
• Scope for Future Research: With protection, the sites can serve as important centres for future excavations and help enhance historical knowledge of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Background of the Story:
• The Harappan civilisation (also called Indus Valley civilisation) was one of the world’s earliest urban cultures.
• It spanned parts of present-day India and Pakistan, with sites like Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, Dholavira, and Rakhigarhi.
• Haryana, especially the regions around Bhiwani, Fatehabad, and Hisar, has yielded several important Harappan and pre-Harappan sites.
Meaning of the Core Theme:
• The declaration highlights the need to preserve India’s ancient history by securing and protecting archaeological treasures that offer a window into civilisational advancements in urban planning, trade, and cultural life.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/haryana-harappan-civilisation-spots-protected-archaeological-sites-9917262/