Rakhigarhi remains sent for scientific study: What ancient human remains can tell us

📌 Summary:

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has formally handed over human skeletal remains from the Harappan site of Rakhigarhi (Hisar district, Haryana) to the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), a research institute under the Ministry of Culture
• Per a PIB release (June 22), archaeologists uncovered eight burials at Mound No. 7 during the 2025-26 field season; three complete skeletons plus fragments have been moved to AnSI's ancient human skeletal repository and laboratory in Kolkata
• The transfer, under an MoU between the two institutions, will advance multidisciplinary research into a major centre of the 'Indus-Saraswati Civilization'; collaborators include Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), University College London (UCL) and BHU scholars in ancient DNA research
• Why study remains: the Harappan script is undeciphered, so material remains are crucial; palaeoanthropology, molecular biology and ancient-DNA studies help reconstruct appearance, ancestry and migration patterns
• Palaeopathology (study of ancient diseases) reveals health status; teeth/mandible analysis reconstructs diet and food preparation; grave goods and burial differences indicate social status and cultural practices
• Significance: Rakhigarhi is one of the largest Harappan sites; earlier ancient-DNA work here informed debates on the genetic makeup of the Harappans

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS1 Art & Culture / Ancient History — Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilisation, archaeological methods, use of science (ancient DNA, palaeopathology) in reconstructing the past

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Rakhigarhi is in Hisar district, Haryana — among the largest Harappan sites
• ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) and AnSI (Anthropological Survey of India) are under the Ministry of Culture
• AnSI's ancient skeletal repository/laboratory is in Kolkata
• Collaborating institutions: BSIP, UCL, BHU

🔑 Key Term: Palaeopathology — the study of ancient diseases and medical conditions using physical human and animal remains.