Haryana Preserves Ancient Harappan Sites in Bhiwani as Protected Archaeological Monuments
The Haryana government has officially declared two 4,400-year-old Harappan civilisation sites in Bhiwani district as protected monuments and archaeological sites. The designated locations, situated in the villages of Tighrana and Mitathal, hold significant historical value, shedding light on India’s ancient urban and cultural heritage.
As per a notification issued on March 13, 2024, by Haryana Principal Secretary (Heritage and Tourism) Kala Ramachandran, the Haryana Heritage and Tourism Department has enforced protection over a 10-acre area in Mitathal under the Haryana Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964.
Historic Importance of Mitathal & Tighrana Sites
Mitathal was first discovered in 1913, when a hoard of Samudragupta-era coins was unearthed. Later excavations between 1965-1968 revealed beads, copper tools, and proto-historic artifacts, confirming its connection to the Copper-Bronze Age (3rd-2nd millennia BCE). The Central University of Haryana has conducted four major excavations (2016, 2020, 2021, and 2024) at the site, further solidifying its historical significance.
- The site showcases Harappan-era urban planning, architecture, and craftsmanship.
- Excavations have yielded redware pottery, painted with pipal leaves, fish scales, and geometric designs.
- Artifacts found include beads, bangles, terracotta objects, and tools made of stone, shell, copper, ivory, and bone.
Similarly, Tighrana holds immense significance, offering insights into the post-Harappan period. The site was first inhabited by Chalcolithic agricultural communities as early as 2,400 BCE, known as Sothians. These early settlers lived in mud-brick houses with thatched roofs and engaged in agriculture, animal domestication, and pottery production.
- Tighrana has provided evidence of continuous human settlement from the Pre-Siswal, Pre-Harappan, and Post-Harappan periods.
- Discoveries indicate a thriving bead-making and jewelry industry, with artifacts like green carnelian bangles, wheel-made pottery, and copper-bronze tools.
Urgent Need for Preservation & Government Action
According to Narender Singh Parmar, Head of History and Archaeology at the Central University of Haryana, villagers were unknowingly disturbing these sites, mistaking them for agricultural land. A significant portion of these historical locations has already suffered damage due to unregulated activities.
Following the recent notification, the archaeology department will take immediate steps to safeguard these sites, including:
✅ Fencing the protected areas
✅ Deploying security personnel for site protection
✅ Initiating further archaeological research and excavation
A senior official stated,
“Without official protection, these ancient sites were at risk. With this notification, Haryana takes a significant step in preserving its rich Harappan heritage.”
The Future of Harappan Excavations in Haryana
Haryana, home to several key Harappan sites, continues to be a treasure trove for archaeologists. The Tighrana and Mitathal excavations provide invaluable insights into early human settlements, trade, and craftsmanship in the Indo-Gangetic region.
With the state government’s intervention, these 4,400-year-old sites will now receive the protection and recognition they deserve, ensuring that India’s ancient past remains preserved for future generations.
