India’s oldest living city found in Vadnagar, Gujrat

Source-This post is based on the article “India’s oldest living city found in PM Modi’s native village Vadnagar: multi-institution study” published in “The Hindu” on 13th January 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently an archaeological excavation at Gujarat’s Vadnagar has discovered evidence of human settlement dating back to 1,400 BCE.

What are the findings of the excavation?

1) The excavation has revealed characteristic archaeological artefacts, potteries, copper, gold, silver and iron objects and intricately designed bangles.

2) One of the oldest Buddhist monasteries also has been discovered.

3) The study suggests that climate-induced changes, such as rainfall or droughts, played a key role in the rise and fall of various kingdoms over 3,000 years and recurring invasions of India by Central Asian warriors.

4) Radiocarbon dates reveal the successive rulers of Vadnagar:

a. Indo-Greeks (until 100 CE)
b. Indo-Scythian or Shakas, known as Kshatrapa kings (until 400 CE)
c. Maitrakas (Gupta kingdom), Rashtrakuta-Pratihara-Chawada kings (until 930 CE)
d. Solanki kings (Chalukya rule until 1,300 CE)
e. Sultanate-Mughals (1680 CE)
f. Gaekwad/British

What is the Significance of the study?

1) This discovery is crucial as it fills a gap in Indian archaeological history between 1,500 BCE and 500 BCE, revealing a continuity in human settlement in India spanning over 5,500 years.

2) No advanced city-like settlement was recorded before 500 BCE.

3) The team suggests the settlement might date back to 1,400 BCE, aligning with the late phase of the post-urban Harappan period. If accurate, it challenges the notion of a Dark Age, indicating a cultural continuity in India for the past 5,500 years.

Dark Age- The time frame from the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization around 4,000 years ago (early 2nd millennium BCE) until the rise of the Iron Age and Mahajanapada cities like Gandhar, Koshal, and Avanti (6th-5th century BCE).

About Excavation

1) Conducted by- A joint team of scientists from IIT Kharagpur, Archaeological Survey of India, Physical Research Laboratory, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Deccan College.

2) Funded by- Infosys Foundation and the Gujarat government’s Directorate of Archaeology & Museums, responsible for developing India’s inaugural experiential digital museum in Vadnagar.

UPSC Syllabus- Art & Culture