Rakhigarhi Findings in NCERT Books Added

Context

• The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has proposed to add findings from the archaeological site of Rakhigarhi in Haryana.

What are the DNA Findings?

• The study of ancient DNA from archaeological sources in Rakhigarhi, Haryana suggests that the genetic roots of the Harappans go back to 10,000 BCE.
• The DNA of the Harappans has continued till today and a majority of the South Asian population appears to be their descendants.
• The study indicates genetic continuity without large-scale immigration.
• People from bordering areas and distant regions were absorbed into Indian society.

Rakhigarhi

• Site location: The present-day Rakhigarhi is located 27 km from the Ghaggar river, in the Ghaggar-Hakra river plain.
• The archaeological site dates back to 2600-1900 BCE.
• It is the largest Harappan site in the Indian Subcontinent.

Findings

• Granary: A granary belonging to the mature Harappan phase (2600 BCE to 2000 BCE) has been found here. It has 7 rectangular or square chambers.
• Culture, clothing, and worship: Fire altars and apsidal structures were revealed in Rakhigarhi.
• Cemetery and burial sites: A cemetery of the Mature Harappan period is discovered at Rakhigarhi, with eight graves found.