The Haryana government has officially declared Mitathal and Tighrana, two Harappan civilization sites located in the Bhiwani district, as protected archaeological sites and monuments . These sites are over 4,400 years old and hold immense historical and cultural value . This action aims to protect these ancient settlements from encroachment and damage, with fencing and security measures to be implemented .
The Harappan sites of Mitathal and Tighrana in Haryana are significant for several reasons:
- Mitathal: Excavations at Mitathal have revealed a Copper-Bronze Age culture complex from the 3rd-2nd millennia BCE, demonstrating Harappan traditions in town planning, architecture, arts, and crafts . The site has yielded various antiquities, including beads, bangles, and objects made of terracotta, stone, shell, copper, ivory, and bone . The discovery of Samudra Gupta coins in 1913 further adds to its historical importance .
- Tighrana: The remains at Tighrana provide insights into the evolution and continuity of human settlement in the region, particularly from the post-Harappan period . The site was initially inhabited by Chalcolithic agricultural communities around 2400 BCE, known as Sothians, who lived in mud-brick houses . Discoveries of beads and green carnelian bangles indicate a thriving industry of bead making and jewelry production . The presence of pre-Siswal, pre-Harappan, and post-Harappan settlements makes Tighrana an archaeologically significant location .
In summary, Mitathal showcases Harappan urban planning and craftsmanship, while Tighrana reveals insights into the evolution of settlements and industries in the region, highlighting the continuity of human habitation . The protection of these sites is a crucial step in preserving Haryana’s archaeological heritage .
