6 Results found for Search: archaeological site
1. Burzahom, Srinagar.
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.
2. Kalibangan, Bikaner.
Situated 205 kilometers (127 miles) from Bikaner, the historic ruins of Kalibangan offer a glimpse into the Indus Valley civilization and offer evidence of one of the earliest - and quite possibly the first-ever -civilization originating from India. A tour of Kalibangan takes one through the remains of the earliest (2800 BCE) ploughed agricultural field, fire altars, burial chambers, ceramic work, and advanced methods of water harvesting and town planning dating back to the pre-Harappan and Harappan periods. In 1983, an Archaeological Museum was established within the premises that displays materials excavated from the area between 1961 and '69.
3. Sadras, Mahabalipuram.
About 13-kilometer (8.12 miles) from Mahabalipuram towards Kalpakkam, there is an idyllic beach resort, Sadras, known for the ruins of a Dutch Fort. Take a stroll in the Dutch cemetery and look up the finely carved headstones and the inscriptions on them. Actually, Sadras is an anglicized version of the ancient town of Chadhuranga Pattinam. Sadras was set up in the 17th century as a Dutch colony, and an important centre for weaving fine muslin cloth for export. This little village was a flourishing weaver settlement until the Dutch conquered the domains from the Carnatic rulers in 1612.
4. Rabdentse Ruins, Pelling.
Rabdentse was the seat of the second capital of the then princely state of Sikkim. It became the second capital of Sikkim after the second Chogyal (monarch) shifted his royal base from Yuksom in 1670 to this very place. Bounded by a valley thickly overgrown with virgin forests, Rabdentse Ruins is really a remarkable sight. Even the leisurely walk to the ruins will take you through a scenic route that will seem like a poetic illustration out of a fairy tale, with goldfish-filled placid lakes and exotic species of orchids giving you company all the way. The parapet of the former capital affords some of the most spectacular views of the misty mountains beyond. The best time to visit this ruins would be the spring season when the whole valley comes alive, enhancing the splendor of the destination by greater levels.
5. Dolmen Circle, Kodaikanal.
For people interested in anthropology and paleontology Kodaikanal provides a very interesting attraction, Dolmen Circle. Pre-historic remains dating as far back as 5000 BCE have been excavated from here. Dolmens are tripod-like structures that mark the dwelling and burial grounds of Neolithic people dating back to the Stone and Iron Ages. These sites provide a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of the prehistoric man. Several copper and brass utensils and ornaments have been uncovered from the dolmens. Kistavens, marking the burial places of these people can also be found in this area.
6. Langza, Kaza.
Langja is at an altitude of 4,400 meters above sea level and, in a manner of speaking, this provides a window to the evolution of the entire Himalayan chain. Millions of years ago the Earth's land mass consisted of two giant continents. There was Gondwanaland in the south and Laurasia in the north. A huge chunk of land severed itself from upper Gondwanaland and swept right across the mighty Sea of Tethys that separated them. Again, after millions of years, this giant engine crashed into the Asian continent. The force of the impact created the Himalaya mountains and the land that had pushed it ahead, is now India. Scattered all around Langja are ammonite fossils – that date back to the time when all this land was under the sea.