In a major archaeological discovery, remains of a 4,500-year-old Harappan (Indus Valley) civilisation have been found in the Thar desert near the Pakistan border in Rajasthan. This is the first time such remains have been discovered in this remote region, and experts believe it will add new information to our understanding of how far the Harappan civilisation had spread.

The site, known as Ratadia Ri Deri, is situated around 60 kilometres from Ramgarh tehsil and approximately 17 kilometres northwest of Sadewala, a border village in Jaisalmer district. This important discovery was the result of collaborative efforts by several researchers and historians, including Dilip Kumar Saini from Rajasthan University, Jaisalmer-based historian Parth Jagani, Professor Jeevan Singh Kharkwal, Dr Tamegh Panwar, and Dr. Ravindra Devda. They were also supported by local contributors Chatar Singh 'Jam' and Pradeep Kumar Garg.

What has been discovered at the site?

The team discovered many objects that show the site was once a well-developed Harappan settlement. These include red and wheat-coloured pottery such as bowls, pitchers, cups, and jars with holes. They also found handmade pottery with beautiful geometric patterns. Sharp stone blades made from chert stone, likely brought from Rohri in present-day Pakistan, were found along with bangles made of clay and conch shells. Small terracotta cakes shaped like triangles, circles, and idlis were also uncovered. Stone mills, probably used for grinding, were present, along with wedge-shaped bricks that may have been used in circular buildings or furnaces. Standard rectangular bricks commonly seen in Harappan cities were also found. A furnace structure with a central column, similar to those in Kanmer (Gujarat) and Mohenjodaro (Pakistan), was discovered, as well as the remains of ancient walls, showing organised planning and construction.

Researcher Dilip Kumar Saini said, “This is a significant find in the context of Rajasthan’s desert archaeology. The presence of Harappan remains in such a remote, sandy terrain suggests a previously unknown settlement that endured the harsh conditions of the Thar desert.”

Why is this discovery important?

Historian Parth Jagani said, “This is the first Harappan urban settlement discovered in the desert region between North Rajasthan and Gujarat. Its proximity to the Pakistan border adds another layer of historical significance.”

The discovery first came to light when local teacher Pradeep Kumar Garg informed the Save Our Heritage Foundation about ancient items in the area. Later, Dr. Pankaj Chandak and Dr. Krishnapal Singh visited the site in June and confirmed its importance.

They found handmade pottery, red and wheat-coloured designs, chert blades, and old brick walls. These findings show that this was not just a small village but a well-planned city. Experts believe it was located at the mouth of the now-extinct Saraswati River and covered around 50 by 50 meters.

This find gives us a rare chance to learn about life in the Harappan civilisation in one of India’s driest areas. More studies and digging will help us understand how people lived, built cities, and survived in such tough desert conditions thousands of years ago.

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