Ancient Village Unearthed: Fascinating Burial Practices

Inamgaon, a thriving village during India’s Chalcolithic period, or the Bronze Era became a subject of intrigue for archaeologists between 1968 and 1983. Several excavations were conducted in the area to unravel India’s prehistoric past and what they discovered were the unusual burial practices of Inamgaon.

Inamgaon's Burial Sites | Source: The Times of India

Situated approximately 90 kilometres from Pune, Maharashtra, Inamgaon is no ordinary village. It is adorned with mysterious mounds, remnants of the Chalcolithic period in India. Both archaeologists and locals alike were stumped, seeking to decipher the meaning behind these mounds. Through the excavations carried out from 1968 to 1983, efforts were made to unearth the secrets of Inamgaon's origins.

Research findings suggest that the earliest settlers in the area were the Malwa people. They initially occupied one mound and eventually expanded their presence as their population grew. Today, only partially exposed remains of a rectangular house with mud walls and mud-plastered screens can be seen. These houses contained large circular pits with vertical sides and flat bases, lined with lime. They were likely used for storage.

During excavations, researchers discovered remnants of jowar in one of the pits, marking the earliest occurrence of this grain in India. The Malwa people were renowned for their pottery skills and their self-sufficiency in crafting bowls and vessels. Evidence indicated that large families lived together in small houses, and animal bones from deer and pigs, as well as winter crops, were found, offering insight into their dietary habits.

Further exploration of the Chalcolithic period and visual evidence suggested that Inamgaon's inhabitants relied on farming and copper wares. As researchers attempted to reconstruct life in Inamgaon during the second millennium, it became apparent that the people may have transitioned from farming to pastoralism, then hunting, and finally engaging in trade. Eventually, they might have been succeeded by the Megalithic people circa 700 B.C.

However, the most intriguing aspect of Inamgaon's history revealed itself through its burial practices. Over 200 burial sites were unearthed, showcasing diverse ways of treating individuals in death, mirroring the diversity of their lives. The first burial unearthed was that of an adult male, buried in an upright position within an urn, sparking further investigation.

Extensive research has been conducted on the specific burial practices found in Inamgaon. Infant burials were the most common and categorised into two types. In the Western region, infants were buried in two horizontally placed ceramic urns positioned mouth to mouth. In the Southern region, infants were either buried vertically or horizontally in urns, bowls, or directly in the earth.

Many burial sites contained funerary vessels alongside the remains, possibly used to hold their worldly possessions to take into the afterlife. These items provided clues about the social status and family background of the individuals. Beads, painted pots, vessels, and jars were among the most frequently discovered articles.

Each family adhered to its own burial practices, passed down through generations and rooted in their traditions and customs. What may have been appropriate for one family might not have been so for another. Beads, for instance, could indicate wealth if made of materials like copper or carnelian, but it is only conjecture.

The direction in which urns containing bodies were buried also varied among families. Some burials had the upper body placed towards the southern urn, while others had it towards the northern urn. Additionally, bodies were occasionally found laid to rest facing east or west. Despite extensive research into the time period and population, many burial sites still defy explanations.

Inamgaon is home to some of the most unique burials in all of India, with no parallels found elsewhere in the country. Particularly intriguing were remains where the feet had been severed, suggesting the fear of the dead returning as ghosts, as noted by lead excavator Dr Dhavalikar.

Examining burial sites and practices provides an interesting albeit morbid window into different settlements and communities. The grains and artefacts found with the remains shed light on the village’s diet and primary occupations. Inamgaon is a chapter in India’s prehistoric history that may never be fully understood.