Introduction

Burzahom, or the ‘place where the birch trees grow’ is a major archeological find that lies between the Dal Lake and the Zabarvan hills – and is located off the Naseem – Shalimar road. This was the first site with a Neolithic settlement to be excavated in Kashmir and is dated to have been inhabited between 3,000 BCE and 1,500 BCE.

As a Neolithic or ‘new stone age’ site, it exhibits some of the major characteristics of the period – the primary one being the use of tools of polished stone. The excavation has revealed several layers of settlement. The earliest homes were in dugouts, where circular or oval pits were dug using stone tools. These were then capped with a roof probably made of branches and then covered. Some of the deeper pits have rough stairs leading down to them. The period is marked by the presence of a large number of well-polished bone and stone tools – though the pottery was crude.

At a later date, the houses as they were moved over the surface of the ground and the pits were filled up. Sometimes these floors were covered with a thin coating of ochre. These homes are believed to have been timber structures. Of the second phase, 2000 BCE several burial sites were also found and the burials took place under the house’s floor or in the compound. Trepanning has also been found on a skull. The pottery continued to be handmade and was of burnished black ware. A wheel-made red-ware pot with carnelian and agate beads belongs to the end of this period.

This phase was followed by the Megalithic phase when wheel-made pots of gritty red ware appear. Bone and stone tools remained in use along with copper objects. Building with rubble also began at this time. The final phase of human activity at this site dates back to the early historical period with mud-brick structures and the presence of ‘red-ware’ pottery. The site has also revealed the presence of various cultivated grains and implements made with bone.

Special Attributes

Unique neolithic site

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Conservative but comfortable

Connectivity

Taxis and buses up to a point.

Enjoyed by

History, heritage and architecture lovers and general interest.

Exposure

Mild exposure to sun when outdoors. It is pleasant for the better part of the year.

Avoidable Season

In inclement weather, the site is difficult to cover.

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

None as such

Tip

Some reading up on Kashmir's pre-historic places will help appreciate the place better.

Type of site

Excavation