New Perspectives on the Harappan Culture in Light of Recent Excavations at Rakhigarhi

The site of Rakhigarhi, situated in Hisar District, Haryana, India, is one of the largest metropolises of the Harappan Civilization found so far, to be mentioned alongside the iconic sites of Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa and Dholavira. Between the years 2011 and 2017 extensive explorations and excavations were carried out by teams from the Deccan College P.G.R.I., Deemed University, Pune, Seoul National University and Haryana State Archaeology Department. Mounds 4, 6 and 2 were habitation deposits where cultural sequences of Early and Mature Cultural layers were found. Among the major finds were classical Harappan ceramic assemblages; beads of terracotta, faience, stones and steatite; seals; shell and terracotta bangles; terracotta figurines, etc. Mound 7 was a cemetery, representative of the Mature Harappan period, where systematic excavation was carried out. After chapters introducing the excavations at Rakhigarhi and setting out the objectives of the project, the book focuses on the cemetery, with detailed analysis and inventories of the burials. Data on the physical and pathological traits of the Harappan population are presented in full, with specialist chapters on craniofacial reconstruction, and on parasitological analysis. The volume is completed with analysis of the faunal remains from Rakhigarhi habitation area.