Traces of pre-Harappan site found in Fatehabad village

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Kunal (Fatehabad), April 28

Archaeologists have found traces of a prosperous pre-Harappan human habitation, which is believed to have existed along the banks of the ancient Saraswati river, at a site in Kunal village here during the ongoing excavation.

The excavation carried out in a joint collaboration by the Indian Archaeological Society, National Museum and the Haryana Archaeological Department has found materials that give a peek into the lifestyle, socio-economic milieu and food habits of the people who lived along the Sarwawati bank in ancient times. It is believed to be contemporary to the Bhirrana site, about 18 km from Kunal which is known as the oldest Indus Valley Civilisation site and belonged to the pre-Harappa era.

The excavators found four gold beads and copper rings, which indicate that developed farming communities lived there. It also points towards the fact that metal and precious stones were imported from far-flung places. Silver ornaments were found here during the previous excavation.

“We have found charred bones at several hearths, indicating its eating habits. There are botanical remains of wheat and barley. Even fruit seeds have been found in the pots,” said Subhan Malik, an excavator.

Banani Bhatacharya, deputy director of the Haryana Archaeology Department, said the site was located around 18 km from the Bhirrana site. “There are various sites in this region, including Bhirrana, Kunal and Rakhigarhi. The excavation at these sites has indicated that these were Indus Valley Civilisation sites, which had flourished near the Saraswati and Ghaggar rivers,” she said.

“This is stated to be one of the oldest pre-Harappan sites, which could be the contemporary to the Bhirrana village. The carbon dating of the Bhirrana site revealed that it dates back to 7030 BC (9,000 years old). The excavation in Kunal has indicated that this site also belongs to the Hakra culture and we have taken samples for C-14 radio dating for the absolute dating of the site,” said an excavator.

A manufacturing unit of steatite beads has also been found at the upper crust of the site.