News- Researchers using radiocarbon dating at Bhirrana indicate that the Harappan Civilisation of the Indian subcontinent could be over 8,000 years old.
About Bhirrana Site
- Bhirrana is an archaeological site that shows early settlement phases of the Harappan Civilisation.
- Location: It is located in present-day Haryana along the paleo-channels of the Ghaggar river.
- Excavated by: The site was excavated by Shri L. S. Rao of the Archaeological Survey of India.
- Estimated Age: Radiocarbon dating indicates that settlement at Bhirrana dates back nearly 8,000 years.
- Evolutionary Phases (Bhirrana)- The cultural development at Bhirrana is divided into four successive phases showing gradual settlement growth.
- Period-IA (Hakra Wares Culture): This phase shows well-plastered subterranean dwelling pits dug into natural soil, along with a ceramic assemblage.
- Period-IB (Early Harappan): During this phase, houses were built with mud bricks, and pottery showed six fabrics similar to Kalibanga-I.
- Period-IIA (Early Mature Harappan): This phase shows transformation in the city layout, and the settlement was enclosed by a mud-brick fortification wall.
- Period-IIB (Mature Harappan): This final phase shows typical Harappan antiquities, including steatite seals and associated pottery.
Key Findings
- Material culture and artefacts: Antiquities include beads of semiprecious stones, terracotta objects, copper bangles, and bone objects.
- Settlement and cultural sequence: Excavations revealed a 4.20-metre thick deposit showing a four-fold cultural sequence.
