Harappan Civilization Unveiled in Rajasthan's Thar Desert

Categories: Culture, History

Important archaeological finding has been recorded in west Rajasthan where the remnants of, The Harappan Civilization, have been discovered at Ratadiya Dhery, which is located 60 km northwest of Ramgarh Tehsil within the Jaisalmer district. The scholars assume that the site is approximately 4500 years old, which makes it a part of a significant chain of the spreading of the Indus Valley Civilization. 

Retrievable artifacts are:

 Red-slipped pots (jars, bowls, perforated jars) ,Chert blades, Triangular shaped and idli shaped terracotta cakes, Grinding rocks and furnace wastes, Plastic and clay bangles, Pillared buildings within houses like that of Mohenjo-daro and Kanmer (Gujarat) 

The bricks that were used in circular body Harappan structures were in wedge-shape. It is the earliest and well-pronounced Harappan site in Rajasthan in the desert region and one of their most notable historical and archaeological frontiers. 

Significance in preparing Civil Services

: Geographical Expansion of the Harappan Civilization: 

• This find reveals that Harappan city culture reached into how unfriendly he desert climate is in the Thar desert of northwest Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Urban Planning and Architecture: 

• Important architectural and industrial features are found by the discovery of furnaces, grinding stones, bricks and construction patterns in the period of the Harappan.
•  Evidence of Culture and Trade: Shell bangles, terracotta are some of the items that depict trade, craft and everyday life in Harappan society.
•  Archaeological Uniqueness: This is the initial tangible evidence of Harappan existence in the Thar belt so far and historian Parth Jagani believes that it could provide considerable revision in the Indian archaeological maps.

Cultural and Trade Inference:

•  Shell bangles indicate there was long-distance trade (since shell is something that can be found only on the coast). 

Academic Value:

•  Enhances the perception that the territorial coverage of Harappan civilization was far more extended than what has been recorded in the past. Promotes future excavating, and scientific conservation.

MCQ

What is the significance of the column-like structure found at the Ratadiya Dairy site in Jaisalmer?

1. It resembles Buddhist stupas
2. It is similar to structures from Mohenjo-Daro and Kanmer
3. It is the earliest known temple structure in Rajasthan
4. It has Roman architectural influences
   Answer: 2
   Explanation: The structure is similar to those found in Harappan sites like Mohenjo-Daro and Kanmer in Gujarat, indicating Harappan architectural presence.