Excavations at Atranjikhera: Early Civilization of the Upper Ganga Basin

The excavations at Atranjikhera were carried out by R.C. Gaur, an Indian archaeologist, in the 1970s and 1980s. Atranjikhera is an important archaeological site located in the Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh, India, and has yielded significant findings related to the ancient history of the region.

Overview of Atranjikhera Excavations:

1. Site Significance: Atranjikhera is notable for its evidence of a well-developed urban culture dating back to the early Harappan and mature Harappan periods. The site provides crucial insights into the transitional phase between the Chalcolithic period and the early phase of the Indus Valley Civilization (also known as the Harappan Civilization).

2. Excavation Details: R.C. Gaur and his team conducted systematic excavations at Atranjikhera, uncovering a number of important artifacts and structural remains. The excavations revealed:

   • Fortified Settlement: A well-planned fortified settlement with streets, houses, and drainage systems.
   • Artifacts: Numerous artifacts were uncovered, including pottery, tools, and beads made from materials like terracotta, stone, and shell. The pottery found at the site closely resembles that of the early Harappan period.
   • Architectural Remains: The site revealed evidence of mud-brick structures, including large rectangular houses with a well-organized layout, indicative of an urban settlement.

3. Cultural Significance: The findings from Atranjikhera show that the region had a thriving urban culture during the late Chalcolithic and early Harappan period. The site provides a glimpse into the development of urban planning and trade in the region before the full establishment of the Harappan Civilization.

4. Chronology: The excavations suggested that Atranjikhera was inhabited from the late Harappan phase (around 1900 BCE) through to the early post-Harappan period. It provides valuable evidence of the continuity and changes in the region after the decline of the Harappan Civilization.

5. Significance in Harappan Studies: The work of R.C. Gaur at Atranjikhera has been instrumental in understanding the development of the Harappan Civilization and its surrounding regions. The findings help archaeologists understand how local cultures in the north of India may have interacted with the greater Harappan world and how urbanism and technological advancements spread across the subcontinent.

In conclusion, the excavations led by R.C. Gaur at Atranjikhera played an essential role in uncovering the archaeological remains of an early urban settlement, enriching our understanding of prehistoric and early historic India.