Archaeologists from the University of Kerala have unearthed a 5,300-year-old settlement near Lakhapar village in Western Kachchh, Gujarat.
The excavation revealed an early Harappan habitation site, located near the now quiet Gandhi River, once a perennial water source, spanning nearly three hectares on either side of the Gaduli-Lakhapar Road. The excavators found well-planned structural remains made of local sandstone and shale, along with pottery from both early and classical Harappan phases (c. 3300 BC) at the site, Which is believed to have existed when Dholavira, a Harappan acropolis now a Unesco World Heritage site, was in its formative stages, say experts.
“The site was identified around 2022 with the help of Narayana Jajani, former sarpanch of Lakhapar Village due to the presence of a mound” After permission from the owner of the agricultural land, we carried out the excavation on both sides of Gaduli-Lakhapar road in ana area around 3 hectares said Dr. Rajesh SV, project lead, along with Dr. Abhyan GS. both assistant professors at the University of Kerala.
The team also discovered a human burial—a poorly preserved skeleton buried directly in a pit without structural markers, accompanied by Pre-Prabhas Ware pottery. According to the excavators, the discovery of Ceramic ware in burial sites suggest the prevalance of a unique ritual or subgroup within the Early Harappan community. The findings at Lakhapar provide a crucial link between burial grounds and residential areas, revealing a vibrant, interconnected cultural environment within the arid landscape of Kachchh.
Alongside architectural and ceramic finds, the dig revealed a diverse range of artefacts: semiprecious stone beads made from carnelian, agate, steatite, and amazonite; copper and terracotta items; shell ornaments; and lithic tools, including Rohri chert blades, indicating ties with the Sindh region. Animal remains—such as bones of cattle, sheep, goats, and fish, along with edible shell fragments—suggest that the settlement’s economy relied on both pastoralism and aquatic resources. The team at Kerala University also collected Archaeobotanical samples to study ancient plant use and dietary habits.
Dr. Rajesh highlighted that, while several Early Harappan burial sites like Dhaneti have been found in Gujarat, corresponding habitation sites have remained elusive. Lakhapar, by revealing both residential life and burial practices, provides a rare, holistic insight into the Early Harappan people of this region.
Contributor
