Rakhigarhi, or Rakhi Garhi, is a village in Hissar district in the northwest Indian state of Haryana, around 150 kilometers from Delhi. In 1963archeologists discovered the village was the site of an extensive city, part of the Indus Valley Civilization. Since 1997 the Archeological Survey of India has undertaken a detailed excavation of the site, revealing the size of the lost city (at least 2.2 kmē) and recovering numerous artifacts, some over 5,000 years old. Evidence of paved roads, a drainage system, a large rainwater collection and storage system, terracotta brick and statue production, and skilled metal working (in both bronze and precious metals) has been uncovered. Jewellery, including bangles made from terracotta, conch shells, gold, and semi-precious stones, have also been found.
External links
Archaeology at Rakhi Garhi (http://www.the-south-asian.com/archaeology.htm)
More information about the dig at Rakhi Garhi (http://www.haryana-online.com/rakhigarhi.htm)
Photos of site and of recovered artifacts (http://www.geocities.com/saswateeb/photopagetan.html)
Recent excavations at RakhiGarhi in Hissar district of Haryana may push the history of the civilization back by over a thousand years.
The findings at RakhiGarhi, the largest Indus Valley site after Mohenjodaro has lead to a lot of excitement among archaeologists and historians.
Although the carbon-14 dating results are awaited, based on the thick layers of Hakra Ware at RakhiGarhi, it is argued that the site dates back to about 3500 BC to 4000 BC.
Wazir Chand Saroae, a local schoolteacher and a resident of RakhiGarhi, who showed us his invaluable collections of Indus valley artefacts.
It is unfortunate that while 5000 years ago, the residents of RakhiGarhi enjoyed the privileges of urban life, that is, paved roads and streets, undergroung sewerage system, rainwater harvesting system, toilets and bathing facilities, the modern dwellers at the place live in a muddy village with poor bath and sanitation facilities.
We were surprised by the pride and enthusiasm of well-informed locals about their past and frustration about the current situation.
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