Rakhigarhi to be developed as one of the five identified iconic Archaeological Sites

Context

• The proposed development of five iconic archaeological sites located across five states, including Rakhigarhi, Haryana was conceptualized in the Union budget of 2020.

 About Rakhigarhi

• Representation of Harappan Culture: The site has yielded various stages of Harappan culture.
  • It is by far one of the largest Harappan sites in India.

• • Seven (07) mounds are located here.
• Collective Site: The ancient site of Rakhi-Khas and Rakhi-Shahpur are collectively known as Rakhigarhi.
• Location: It is located on the right bank of the now dried-up Palaeo-channel of Drishadvati (Saraswati basin).
• Some important discovered features:
  • Infrastructure: paved roads, drainage system, large rainwater collection, storage system, terracotta bricks.
  • Art: statue production, and skilled working of bronze and precious metals have been uncovered.
  • Jewelry, bangles made from terracotta, conch shells, gold, and semi-precious stones.
  • Fire altars and apsidal structures were revealed in Rakhigarh