Kalibangan: Where History Meets Heritage

Kalibangan is a key archaeological site renowned for its profound insights into the ancient Harappan Civilisation. With its dual layers of pre-Harappan and Harappan cultures, it serves as a vital window into India's historical legacy.

Ruins of Kalibangan. | Source: Tourism of India

In the arid landscapes of northern Rajasthan, Kalibangan stands as a silent witness to the captivating history of the Harappan Civilisation. This historical site, renowned as the third excavated Harappan city, unravels the fascinating stories of a distant era. Kalibangan offers a unique perspective on history, with its lower layers unveiling the ancient pre-Harappan culture and the upper layers providing a colourful glimpse into the thriving Harappan Civilisation. The name 'Kalibangan' is derived from the combination of two words: Kali, meaning 'black', and Bhangan, meaning 'bangle'. Kalibangan was named after the numerous pieces of terracotta bangles that were excavated at the site.

Kalibangan's historical importance was revealed through thorough excavations from 1960-61 to 1968-69, primarily credited to Luigi Pio Tessitori, an Italian linguist and ideologist. Positioned strategically along the southern banks of the Ghaggar River in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh district, approximately 205 kilometres from Bikaner, Kalibangan holds a unique position in history as it unveils glimpses of both pre-Harappan and Harappan civilisations.

The vibrancy of Kalibangan's ancient society is evident in its 450-600 years of flourishing existence. The city is characterised by its exclusive fire altars, attesting to a spiritual dimension that was integral to daily life. One remarkable discovery at Kalibangan is the world's earliest evidence of a ploughed field, dating back to around 2800 BC. This pioneering agricultural practice, still observed in the region today, underscores the city's advanced understanding of farming techniques. The city's housing structures showcase a sophisticated urban planning system, providing insights into the architectural prowess of its inhabitants.

Town planning of period I. | Source: The Sentinel

Town planning of period II. | Source: The Sentinel

Pottery held a pivotal role in Kalibangan's culture, with six distinct pottery fabrics labelled A, B, C, D, E, and F. Fabrics A, B, and D pottery are characterised by red painted ceramics with varying degrees of finishing, including careless potting (Fabric A), improved finishing with roughened lower halves (Fabric B), and slanted lines or semicircle designs (Fabric D), while Fabric C pottery stands out with its violet tinge, fine polish, and black designs, representing the finest proto-Harappan pottery craftsmanship, and Fabrics E and F are defined by their light-coloured and grey ceramics, respectively. Notably, these same pottery types were later discovered in Sothi, North Western India, establishing a cultural link between the two regions. Kalibangan's excavations also unearthed a treasure trove of artefacts, including small chalcedony and agate blades, shells, carnelian, copper bangles, and terracotta wonders. Among these, the 'charging bull' stands as a testament to the city's flourishing artistry during the Harappan Age.

Characteristic pottery of Period I, mostly Fabric A. | Source:  Penn Museum.

Characteristic pottery of Period I, mostly Fabric D. | Source: Penn Museum.

The ploughed agricultural fields discovered in Kalibangan are a testament to the city's advanced agricultural practices. Dated around 2800 BC, these fields illustrate the use of innovative ploughing techniques, which continue to be employed for crop cultivation in the region to this day. The enduring agricultural heritage of ancient Kalibangan remains an enduring legacy.

Kalibangan's seals are invaluable windows into the administrative and cultural aspects of this ancient city. These seals, often made from steatite, depict a variety of motifs, including animals, deities, and intricate script. The script remains undeciphered to this day, shrouding the Harappan language in mystery. These seals are believed to have played a role in trade, record-keeping, or even religious ceremonies, underscoring the sophistication of the civilisation. The presence of seals in Kalibangan underscores its integration into the broader trade and cultural networks of the time.

The meticulous town planning of Kalibangan represents a significant hallmark of the Harappan civilization's urban development. The city was laid out in a grid pattern, with streets and lanes intersecting at right angles. This structured urban layout reflects a high level of organization and governance. Additionally, the city was equipped with a sophisticated drainage system, indicating the inhabitants' mastery of engineering and sanitation. The town's well-planned streets and efficient infrastructure bear witness to the remarkable urban planning skills of the Harappan people, making Kalibangan one of the earliest planned cities in Indian history.

Kalibangan's burial practices reveal a spectrum of customs within the Harappan Civilisation. Three distinct burial methods have been identified at a burial ground situated approximately 300 yards southwest of the citadel. The first method involved interring the deceased in rectangular or oval pits with the body extended, head facing north, and surrounded by pottery. Remarkably, some graves were enclosed with mud brick walls, and palaeopathological evidence offered insights into the inhabitants' health. The second method featured burials in pots (urns) placed in circular pits, devoid of skeletal remains but often accompanied by four to 29 pots and utensils along with beads and shells. The third method comprised rectangular or oval grave pits containing only funerary objects, also without skeletal remains, suggesting a possible symbolic burial practice not commonly found in other Harappan towns. Some of these pits remained unfilled, adding an air of mystery to their intended purpose, collectively showcasing the rich diversity of burial rituals in Kalibangan.

Brick-lined pit atop a mud-brick platform, containing bones of a bovine, antlers, etc., suggesting animal sacrifice. Period II. | Source:  Penn Museum.

Today, Kalibangan's Archaeological Museum preserves relics from this ancient city, serving as a testament to India's rich history and the cultural wealth of the Harappan Civilisation. It stands as a poignant reminder of the civilisation's ingenuity, offering a profound glimpse into its history, discovery, societal structure, housing, agriculture, pottery, modern-day relevance, seals, terracotta artefacts, and urban planning, beckoning us to delve deeper into its mysteries.