Context:
In a landmark archaeological breakthrough, a new Harappan site has been discovered at Ratadiya Ri Dheri in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan, marking the first Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) settlement in the Thar desert’s arid core.
Key Highlights:
Location and Significance:
- The site lies 60 km from Ramgarh tehsil and 17 km from Pakistan’s Sadewala, connecting previously known Harappan locations in northern Rajasthan and Gujarat.
- It expands the known geographic footprint of the Indus Valley civilisation deeper into the desert interior, south of the earlier site at Pilibanga.
Artefacts and Features Found:
- Red ware pottery including bowls, pots, and perforated jars.
- Clay and shell bangles, terracotta objects, wedge-shaped bricks, and chert blades.
- Presence of circular kilns with central columns similar to designs at Kanmer (Gujarat) and Mohenjo-daro (Pakistan).
Dating and Interpretation:
- The site belongs to the Mature Harappan period (2600–1900 BCE).
- Likely a small rural settlement linked to Sindh’s Harappan network, showing signs of regional trade and material integration.
Historical Context:
- The discovery helps bridge the archaeological divide between the Harappan settlements of northern Rajasthan (like Kalibangan and Pilibanga) and Gujarat, enriching our understanding of IVC’s spread and adaptability in harsh desert environments.
