Two fresh sites belonging to the Late Harappan Period have been found along the two ends of the Vasal River in Chuda taluka of Surendranagar district, a state archaeology department team from Rajkot has claimed. The sites are located at Kundla village.

The two new sites were discovered during the annual survey of Vasal River and 25 villages along its stretch. Survey began from Korda village, from where the river originates; Source: Indian Express

Pottery fragments found here are believed to be nearly 2,000 years old. Although no structure has been found at any of the sites, there are indications that an old Harappan settlement existed in the area, which is now an agricultural land.

“Pottery fragments with designs have been found in large numbers from the two mounds. These include pieces of clay jar, bowl and plates. Although no structure has been found, there are indications that a settlement did exist in the area. We have prepared a report on this and submitted it to the state government,” said D K Rathod, Assistant Superintendent, Archaeology Department, Rajkot.

These two sites were discovered during the annual survey of Vasal River and 25 villages along its stretch. Survey began from Korda village, from where the river originates.

One of the sites is located at the farmland of one Manji Nagar in revenue record survey number 189. The second site is exactly opposite to it, on the other side of the river.

Rathod said: “As it is an agricultural land, the site has been ploughed all these years and there is hardly any sign of a mound. Besides, as it is a private land for several years now, it’s difficult to protect it and convert into an archeological site.”

The finding assumes significance as Saurashtra-Kutch has had a rich maritime history dating back to the Harappan era.

One of the most extant Harappan sites excavated in the region is Dholavira. Previous excavations have revealed traces of Harappan settlements in Prabhas Patan, Nageshwar, Bet Dwarka, Maliya Miyana and Barda in Porbandar.

Source: Indian Express