Kutch: Archaeologists from the University of Kerala have discovered a 5,300-year-old settlement near Lakhapar village in Lakhpat taluka of Kutch district, shedding new light on Early Harappan habitation in the region.

The excavation, located along both sides of the Gaduli-Lakhapar road and spanning approximately three hectares, lies beside the now-inactive Gandi river, which once flowed year-round. The site was initially identified in 2022 by researchers Abhayan G.S. and Rajesh S.V. from Kerala University’s Department of Archaeology.

The dig is part of a joint initiative with both Indian and international institutions and builds upon previous work at Juna Khatiya, an Early Harappan cemetery just 1.5 km away, where the team had uncovered 197 graves over three excavation seasons since 2019.

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.

Excavators unearthed stone and shale walls, indicating planned architecture. Notably, the site yielded pottery from both Early and Mature Harappan periods, including the exceptionally rare Pre-Prabhas Ware, previously found at only three other locations in Gujarat. This ceramic evidence hints at a distinct cultural identity within the broader Harappan civilization.

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. This marks the first recorded instance of this rare ceramic ware being used in burial, suggesting a unique ritual or subgroup within the Early Harappan community.

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. Archaeobotanical samples were also collected 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. DeshGujarat