Archaeologists have uncovered a significant archaeological site in Rajasthan's Thar Desert, revealing evidence of a civilization dating back approximately 4,500 years. The site, located near Jaisalmer, marks the first known Indus Valley settlement in the region, bridging a vital archaeological gap between northern Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The excavation, initiated by researchers from the University of Rajasthan and Rajasthan Vidyapeeth in Udaipur, unearthed an abundance of red pottery, including bowls, pots, and perforated jar fragments. Additional artifacts such as clay and shell bangles, terracotta objects, and stone tools were also discovered. The presence of wedge-shaped bricks used in circular kilns and walls suggests a complex settlement, indicative of the mature urban phase of the Indus Valley civilization, which flourished between 2600 and 1900 BCE.
Notably, the site features kiln designs similar to those found at Kanmer in Gujarat and Mohenjo-daro in Pakistan, indicating a shared architectural style within the Harappan network. The discovery of chert blades and terracotta cakes points to long-distance trade and resource integration, characteristic of Indus Valley urban centers. The findings offer valuable insights into the extent and connectivity of the Harappan civilization, highlighting its reach into the arid regions of Rajasthan.
This discovery contributes to the growing understanding of the Indus Valley civilization's distribution and its influence across the Indian subcontinent, emphasizing the civilization's complexity and its role in ancient trade and cultural exchange networks.