Introduction

An archaeological site of immense historical significance, Kalibangan was an integral part of the Indus Valley Civilization (3000-5000 BCE). Considered to be India's earliest township, it lies 205 kilometers (127 miles) from Bikaner in Hanumangarh district, on the left bank of the Ghaggar (Saraswati) river. Discovered by A Ghosh, the then Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Kalibangan falls in the same category as Mohenjodaro and Harappa when it comes to historical importance.

It was Luigi Pio Tessitori, an Italian Indologist, who identified Kalibangan as a part of the Indus Valley civilization. He is also credited with ascertaining that the ruins were prehistoric in nature. Archaeological excavations have made it more than apparent that the city contains remains belonging to both the pre-Harappan and Harappna periods, thereby acting as a missing link between these two cultures.

The central acropolis around which the town was constructed and a fortified citadel bear testament to the extraordinary skills of the artisans. There is ample evidence of usage of advanced methods of water harvesting and an in-depth understanding of planned township that included improved drainage system, streets that intersected exactly at right angles, houses made of baked bricks, and bathrooms with water pipes and taps.

At the southeastern part of the pre-Harappan settlement lies the remains of the first-ever ploughed agricultural field, dating back to circa 2800 BCE. The grid pattern of furrows is astoundingly similar to the one used to this day. The discovery of fire altars suggests that the people worshipped Agni, the Hindu god of fire. The excavated cemetery shows that the people of Kalibangan followed a system of burial in which the body of the deceased was placed inside a brick chamber. Several smaller chambers were built close to the main one, in which offerings to the dead were placed.

Pottery resembling that of the Hakra ware from Cholistan and early Harappan work from the Indus Valley Civilization; terracotta figures; Harappan seals; measuring rods, clay balls and black terracotta bangles are some of the other major findings from the region. In fact, Kalibangan derives its name from 'black bangles'. While the earliest recorded earthquake that occurred in 2600 BCE brought to an end the early Indus settlement at Kalibangan, historians claim that the once flourishing township was abandoned when the river Saraswati dried up.

In 1983, ASI established an Archaeological Museum at Kalibangan to put on display the numerous artefacts that were excavated from 1961 to 1969. Comprising three galleries - one for the pre-Harappan relics and the other two for the Harappan artefacts - the items on display include seals, bangles, terracotta objects, pottery, stone balls, bricks, grinders and terracotta figurines, among others.

Special Attributes

An archaeological site, possibly that of the first-ever civilization with its roots in India, which has remnants from the Harappan and pre-Harappan times and offers a glimpse into the lives and times of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Nuisance

Photographers, local guides, hawkers

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Private taxis, Buses of local tour operators

Enjoyed by

Archaeology enthusiasts, history buffs.

Exposure

Carry a cap, sunglasses and water.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August.

Facilities

Basic, prepare accordingly.

Things Not Allowed

Arms and Weapons, Liquor, Drugs, Bags .

Tip

Kalibangan is renowned for its bangle industry. Do pick up a set or two of the black ones, which lend the region its name (kala - black and bhangan - bangles).

Type of site

Archeological Site