Human skeletal remains excavated from Rakhigarhi, the largest known settlement of the Indus-Saraswati Civilization, have been transferred for advanced scientific analysis.
New Delhi, June 22:
Human skeletal remains excavated from the archaeological site of Rakhigarhi in Haryana have been transferred by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) for detailed scientific investigation.
Rakhigarhi, spread across nearly 550 hectares, is regarded as the largest known settlement of the Indus-Saraswati Civilization and one of the most important archaeological sites in South Asia.
During excavations carried out in the 2025-26 field season, archaeologists uncovered eight burials at a cemetery site within the ancient settlement. Three complete human skeletons along with skeletal fragments have now been moved to AnSI's specialised laboratory in Kolkata for advanced research.
Scientists plan to use modern techniques including ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis, isotope studies, osteological examinations and palaeopathological investigations to better understand the lives of the Harappan people.
Researchers hope the studies will provide valuable insights into ancestry, migration patterns, diet, disease, health conditions and environmental adaptation during the Harappan period more than 4,000 years ago.
Experts believe the findings could significantly improve understanding of the origins, biological history and population movements associated with one of the world's earliest urban civilizations.
Officials said the initiative also marks a renewed effort to strengthen India's palaeoanthropological and ancient DNA research capabilities through cooperation between archaeology, anthropology and genetics.