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Recently, a study is conducted by the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), to trace the roots of ancient Indian communities using modern genomics.
The study includes skeletal remains from prominent Indus Valley Civilization sites such as Harappa and Mohenjo Daro (now in Pakistan), Burzahom (Jammu and Kashmiri), Nagarjunakonda (Andhra Pradesh), Maski (Karnataka), Ropar (Punjab) and Lothal (Gujarat). These remains excavated between 1922 and 1958 by the Archeological Survey of India are now in the custodianship of AnSI.
Focus |
The study focuses on the analysis of 300 ancient skeletal remains, including cranial bones and teeth sourced from various ecological sites in India and Pakistan. |
Origins |
The research seeks to uncover details about ancient diets, living conditions, disease prevalence, environmental adaptation and migration pattern. |
Historical Context |
It is expected to conclude by December 2025 and provide conclusive evidence regarding ancient population movements and interactions. |
Aryan Migration |
The project will address long-standing debates such as Aryan’s invasion theory, which posited that fair-skinned people from Central Asia migrated to India after the Indus Valley Period (2000-1500) and significantly influenced its civilization. |
Partnership |
Anthropological Survey of India and the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, combining anthropology and paleosciences expertise. |
Significance |
The research will help in understanding where people came from, how they lived and how environmental changes shape their history and legacy. |
Scientific Impact |
Use of modern genomics to contribute significantly to understanding cultural heritage and advancing scientific knowledge about ancient human history in South Asia. |
Indus Valley Civilization |
Features |
Period |
Bronze Age |
Date |
3300 BC – 1300 BC |
Geographical Range |
Indus River Basin; NW India & Eastern Pakistan |
Preceded by |
Mehrgarh |
Succeeded by |
Painted Grey Ware Culture |
Noted for |
Urban planning, baked brick houses, elaborate drainage systems, water supply systems, clusters of large non-residential buildings, and new techniques in handicraft (carnelian products, seal carving) and metallurgy (copper, bronze, lead, and tin) |
Status |
UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Harappa |
Cemetery H & R37; Coffin burial; Phallus worship; Mother goddess, Bullock Carts, Single Roomed Barracks, Granaries, Sandstone Steatite of a youth with muscular body, Bronze Image of a Dog Attacking a Deer, Sandstone Girl Dancer, Reserved slip ware of Mesopotamian Type |
Mohenjo-Daro |
Prepared garments, Pashupati seal, Bronze statue of a dancing girl, Ivory weight balance, The Great Bath, The Great Granary, Priest king statue (of steatite), human skeleton huddled together |
Kalibangan |
Lower fortified town, Fire Altar, Boustrophedon style writing, Wooden drainage, Copper ox, Evidence of earthquake, Wooden plough, Camel’s bone, 6 types of pottery |
Lothal |
Dockyard, Port Town, Evidence of Rice, Fire Altar, Ivory weight balance, Copper dog. |
Rangpur |
Evidence of Rice |
Surkotada |
Horse bone, stone covered grave, Human ashes |
Chanhudaro |
Bangle factory, Ink pot, only city without citadel, Carts with seated driver, Small Pot Shell Ornament Makers Factory, Metal Workers Factory, Bead Making Factory Shell Ornament Makers Factory |
Balakot |
Bangle Factory |
Daimabad |
Bronze Buffalo, Copper Rhinoceros, Copper Elephant |
Amri |
Remains of Rhinoceros |
Ropar |
Dog buried with humans, steatite seal, oval pit burials. |
Banawali |
Oval shaped settlement, only city with radial streets, toy plough |
Dholavira |
Only site to be divided into three parts, giant water reservoir, unique water harnessing system, Dam, Embankments, stadium, rock – cut architecture |
Balakot |
Shell Ornament makers Factory |
Rakhigarhi |
Skeletons of a 4,500-old woman, Clay plough |
Note: Indus Valley Script has not yet been deciphered
The study emphasizes on whether Aryan migration happened or not and it aims to offer clear conclusions about the movement and interaction of ancient populations in India. The evidence will help us understand the expansion of the ancient Indian population over time, leading to a deeper and more accurate narrative of Ancient Indian history.
READ ABOUT-
HARAPPAN AND INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION
NCERT revises Class 12 history to highlight Harappan
Source:
REFERENCE-
PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Analyze the significance of reconstructing the population history of South Asia. Discuss the various methodologies employed for this purpose. (150 words) |
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