Context:

• First ever Rakhigarhi Festival was recently inaugurated at Rakhigarhi village in Hisar district of Haryana.

Key Points:

• The inaugural Rakhigarhi Festival, which took place from December 20–22, 2024, marks a significant milestone in state’s effort to celebrate and preserve its ancient archaeological heritage, specifically that of the Indus Saraswati Civilization.
• The festival, inaugurated by Haryana's Heritage and Tourism Minister, has drawn attention to Rakhigarhi, one of the most significant and yet underappreciated archaeological sites in India. Spanning three days, the festival offered a comprehensive exploration of the site’s rich history, advanced urban features, and its role in the broader context of ancient Indian civilization.

Historical significance of Rakhigarhi

• Rakhigarhi, located in Haryana’s Hisar district, is an invaluable archaeological site and an epitome of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), also known as the Harappan Civilization. Dating back approximately 7,000 to 9,000 years, it is the largest known metropolis of the Indus Valley Civilization in South Asia.
• Spanning around 350 hectares, Rakhigarhi is significantly larger than its more famous counterparts, Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, which are traditionally viewed as the key sites of this civilization.
• While Harappa and Mohenjo-daro have been well-studied, Rakhigarhi’s extensive remains have been a relatively recent subject of excavation and study.
• The site provides a unique glimpse into the urban planning, art, and technology of one of the world's earliest and most advanced urban societies. The discoveries at Rakhigarhi help scholars trace the evolution of the Indus Saraswati Civilization, offering insights into its economic, social, and cultural structures. The site continues to reveal evidence of trade, craftsmanship, and technological innovation that shaped the ancient world.

The Rakhigarhi Festival

The Rakhigarhi Mahotsav is designed to achieve multiple objectives, drawing attention to the archaeological, cultural, and historical significance of the site while also engaging contemporary audiences through interactive and educational events. The festival was an exciting fusion of heritage exploration, cultural expression, and community engagement.

Archaeological exploration: Heritage Walks

• The festival featured heritage walks conducted by experienced archaeologists, where participants had the opportunity to explore the site and learn about the latest excavations and findings. These guided tours offered deep insights into the urban features of the site, including its advanced drainage systems, residential complexes, and industrial areas.

Interactive learning: Workshops and hands-on activities

• The festival provided workshops focusing on traditional crafts, such as pottery and ceramic painting, allowing visitors to engage in the ancient art forms practiced by the people of the Indus Valley.
• These interactive learning experiences helped attendees gain a deeper understanding of the cultural practices of the Harappan civilization.

Experimental archaeology: Dummy Excavation Events

• One of the most engaging features of the festival was the 'dummy excavation' events, where visitors could participate in simulated archaeological digs. These activities aimed to demystify the excavation process, offering an immersive experience into how archaeologists work to uncover the past.
• This hands-on approach attracted young students, budding archaeologists, and curious visitors eager to learn about the intricacies of archaeological research.

Cultural Showcase: Traditional performances and crafts

• In addition to the archaeological activities, the festival also celebrated the rich cultural traditions of Haryana. Folk performances, traditional dance, and music showcased the state’s vibrant cultural heritage.
• Exhibitions of local crafts and handicrafts provided visitors with a tangible connection to the region's artistic history, bridging the ancient and contemporary worlds.

Archaeological discoveries at Rakhigarhi

Recent excavations at Rakhigarhi have led to several remarkable discoveries, shedding light on the sophistication of the civilization that flourished here. Among the key findings are:

1. Human remains

• Among the most significant discoveries are human remains estimated to be around 8,000 years old. These remains are pivotal in understanding the social structure, health, and lifestyle of the Indus Valley people. The skeletal remains found in Rakhigarhi provide crucial data for researchers to understand burial practices, health conditions, and the genetic makeup of the ancient population.

2. Artifacts

Excavations at the site have uncovered a wide array of artifacts that showcase the cultural and technological advancements of the Indus Valley Civilization. These include:

• Clay pots: These pottery items provide insights into daily life, cooking methods, and trade practices.
•  Evidence of advanced metalworking skills and an indication of the importance of ornamentation in the Harappan society.
• Copper tools: Tools made from copper reveal the technological innovations of the people of Rakhigarhi, reflecting their expertise in metallurgy.
• Terracotta figurines: These small figurines offer glimpses into religious and artistic practices, as well as the daily lives of the inhabitants.

3. Urban Planning insights

Rakhigarhi reveals the highly advanced urban planning techniques of the Indus Valley Civilization. Some of the notable features include:

• Sophisticated Drainage Systems: Evidence of meticulously designed drainage systems indicates a high level of urban hygiene and sanitation, a characteristic of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• Residential Complexes: Well-structured and organized residential complexes demonstrate the city's planned architecture and societal structure.
• Seven Distinct Archaeological Mounds: These mounds are believed to represent different phases of the settlement and offer a window into the evolving urban landscape of Rakhigarhi over millennia.

The findings suggest that Rakhigarhi was not just an urban settlement but also a thriving cultural, economic, and technological hub of the ancient world. The city’s advanced urban features indicate a high degree of social organization and technological expertise.

Significance and recognition of Rakhigarhi

• The Rakhigarhi Festival is part of a broader initiative by the Indian government to promote and preserve the country’s archaeological heritage. In recognition of its historical significance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared Rakhigarhi as one of India’s five iconic archaeological sites, placing it in the same league as other world-famous sites.
• To further cement its status, an international-level museum is currently under construction at Rakhigarhi to house and showcase the archaeological treasures uncovered at the site. This museum will serve as a hub for research, education, and tourism, allowing visitors to engage with the site’s historical legacy in a more comprehensive manner.