Bhirrana

History

The site dating back to 3rd Millennium B.C runs along the Saraswati River and lies on Bhuna Road. The excavators divided this site into 4 periods based on their findings, viz, Hakra ware, Early Harappan, Mature Harappan and complete Harappan cultures. This is the first site in the history of ASI which discovered the Hakra ware.

Phases of Harappan Culture

Initially, the Hakra ware culture was seldom seen in India. But after excavation at Bhirrana, this unique culture enabled the Archaeologists to analyze the pre Harappan culture. The characteristics of Hakra ware is evident from the pit walls made of alluvial soil (mostly found on banks of Saraswati River). The locals of that period probably adorned themselves with copper jewelry such as arrow on head, copper bangles, camelian beads, terracotta articles and so on. The kitchen accessories included pottery made of Mud, chocolate colored wares and similar other articles.

As the excavation went further, the findings were different and was categorized as early as Harappan culture characterized with Kalibangan fabrics, steatites, conches, shells, terracotta bangles, objects made of bone and a little flavors added form pre Harappan culture. The objects had symbols of unicorn, bull, deer and other animals that were moon signs of that period.

Further excavation revealed other interesting phase of Harappan culture and is categorized as early Mature Harappan culture. This era is characterized with fort-styles walls surrounding the residential colonies, the brick alignments in the houses were interesting, the streets, lanes and roads stood in between houses on either end. Fishhook, copper arrow head, animal figurines, shells, beads made of stones, etc evidenced the artifacts of this phase of Harappan culture.

The next phase is characterized with houses made of tanned red bricks, seals and coins made of copper, wheels with spikes, lapis lazuli and so on. This phase is called as Mature Harappan period. Interestingly, cookware included tandoor style pans, and a separate outlet for disposal of waste water.

Also, the archaeologists found graffiti of dancing girl which resembled the one excavated at Mohenjo-Daro of Indus Valley civilization. The graffiti stood evidence to religious beliefs of worshipping water mermaids or the Apsaras.

Uniqueness of the Excavation

The ASI team also found different sizes of houses: one with three rooms and other with 10 odd rooms. The pits were different particularly with mud plasters which might have been used for sacrifices or trade purposes. The existence of urbanized culture during those times were known about 85 years ago but the excavations revealed existence of underground drainage and curiosity in the researchers to excavate more of Harappan sites. Attempts are being made to discover what lay beyond the Harappan civilization which is yet to see the light of the day.

How to Reach

The nearest airport is Delhi International Airport and one has to take the New Delhi-Fazilka highway to reach this place. Nearest district is Bhuna and is situated at about 15 kms.