Haryana: Rakhigarhi 'Skeletons' Will Reveal Who Harappan People Were; Sent For DNA Analysis

Hisar: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has formally handed over human skeletal remains—recently unearthed at the archaeological site of Rakhigarhi in Haryana—to the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI).
AnSI Director Professor B.V. Sharma stated that the transfer of the skeletal remains was carried out under a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions. This move is expected to significantly boost multi-disciplinary research on one of the most important urban centers of the Indus-Saraswati civilization.

Researchers believe these remains offer a rare opportunity to employ modern scientific techniques. These include ancient DNA analysis, stable isotope studies, osteology, the study of ancient diseases, and environmental reconstruction. These methods are expected to yield crucial information regarding ancestry, migration patterns, diet, disease prevalence, adaptation strategies, and human-environment relationships during the Harappan era.

Is Rakhigarhi Spanning 550 Hectares?

Spread across approximately 550 hectares in Haryana, Rakhigarhi is considered the largest known site of the Indus-Saraswati civilization. Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of continuous habitation from the Early Harappan to the Mature Harappan periods, including planned settlements, drainage systems, craft production centers, trade networks, and cemeteries. During excavations conducted by the ASI's Excavation Branch-II (based in Greater Noida) in the 2025-26 field season, archaeologists discovered eight graves at Mound No. 7—an area previously identified as a cemetery.

Was this Hailed as a Significant Step?

An official statement noted that three complete human skeletons, along with skeletal fragments recovered from other graves, have now been transferred to the AnSI’s Ancient Human Skeletal Repository and Laboratory in Kolkata for detailed examination. The remaining skeletal material recovered from these sites is also expected to be transferred within a few days. Professor Vijay Prakash, a former faculty member of Andhra University, described this transfer of skeletal material as a significant step. He stated that this would ensure the scientific analysis of the biological heritage unearthed during archaeological excavations and its preservation by national institutions for the benefit of future generations.

Is In-depth Anthropological Examination Essential?

Subhash Walimbe, an anthropologist and former professor at Deccan College, Pune, emphasized the necessity of an in-depth anthropological examination of the remains to understand how urbanization influenced human biological and disease-related responses. Officials stated that this collaboration between the ASI and the ANSI represents a significant effort to integrate archaeology, anthropology, genetics, and environmental science in the study of India's ancient past. The statement noted that the remains recovered from Rakhigarhi are expected to provide valuable insights into the origins, health, migration patterns, and biological history of one of the world's earliest urban civilizations.