Medieval Settlement Unearthed Near Indo-Pak Border in Kutch; 100 Human Skeletons, Rare Artefacts Found

Bhuj: A team of researchers from Krantiguru Shyamji Krishna Verma Kachchh (KSKVK) University, in collaboration with the University of Oxford, has identified a significant archaeological site near the India-Pakistan border in the Rann of Kutch, where more than 100 human skeletons and evidence of a medieval settlement have been discovered.

The findings, which researchers say could provide fresh insights into the region’s history, include rice husks, oil lamps, clay pots, terracotta toys, copper coins and other artefacts. Detailed scientific studies are now underway to determine the age of the human remains and reconstruct how the desert landscape evolved over the centuries.

The site first came to light during routine BSF patrols in 2023–24, when personnel spotted numerous human remains scattered across the remote border region. Struck by the unusual sight, they informally began referring to the location as “Ujadagaon”, meaning “deserted village.”

Following the discovery, KSKVK University launched an expedition in 2024 with support from the BSF and the district administration to locate and investigate the site. Researchers found the skeletal remains of men and women buried in an organised manner, indicating the presence of a structured burial ground rather than randomly scattered remains.

Further exploration of the surrounding area led to the identification of four to five additional archaeological sites containing clay pottery, terracotta toys and other artefacts, suggesting the existence of a large medieval settlement in the region.

According to Dr. Ravindra Chauhan, experts at KSKVK University, the University of Oxford, ISRO, the BSF and other institutions carried out a preliminary analysis of the recovered artefacts. Based on the initial assessment, the remains and associated objects are believed to date back approximately 1,100 to 1,500 years. Researchers said detailed archaeological excavations and scientific dating will be undertaken to establish the site’s chronology and gain a better understanding of the civilisation that once inhabited the area. DeshGujarat