Kerala University's archaeological excavation unearths 5,300-year-old Early Harappan settlement in Gujarat
The excavation has revealed an Early Harappan habitation site, located near the now-quiet Gandi river, once a perennial water source, spanning nearly three hectares on either side of the Gaduli-Lakhapar road. The site was first identified in 2022 by a team led by Abhayan G.S. and Rajesh S.V. from the Department of Archaeology, Kerala University.
The collaborative project, involving both international and national institutions, builds upon the team's earlier work at the nearby Early Harappan necropolis of Juna Khatiya, just 1.5 km away, where they had documented 197 burials over three field seasons since 2019.
Critical context
The Lakhapar discoveries now provide critical habitation context to those burials, suggesting a dynamic, interconnected cultural landscape in the arid Kachchh desert.
The excavation uncovered structural remnants, walls made of local sandstone and shale, indicating well-planned construction activities.
Particularly striking is the presence of pottery from both Early and Classical Harappan phases, dating back to around 3300 BC. Among these finds is the extremely rare Pre-Prabhas Ware, previously known from only three sites across Gujarat. The presence of this distinct ceramic tradition at Lakhapar points to a culturally unique group within the larger Harappan civilization.
Burial site
Even more intriguing is the discovery of a human burial in the vicinity of the settlement. The skeleton, though poorly preserved, was interred directly in a pit with no visible architecture or markers and accompanied by Pre-Prabhas Ware pottery. This is the first known burial to include this rare ware, hinting at a previously undocumented ritual practice or subgroup within the Early Harappan population, the researchers point out.
'Beyond architecture and pottery, the excavation revealed a rich array of artefacts: semiprecious stone beads made of carnelian, agate, amazonite, and steatite; shell ornaments, copper and terracotta objects; and lithic tools. Of particular note are Rohri chert blades, which indicate connections with the Sindh region,' Dr. Abhayan stated.
Animal remains, including cattle, sheep, goats, fish bones and edible shell fragments, suggest that inhabitants relied on both animal husbandry and aquatic resources. Samples have also been collected for archaeobotanical analysis to understand plant use and ancient diet.
According to Dr. Rajesh, what sets Lakhapar apart is that while Gujarat has yielded several Early Harappan burial sites, such as Dhaneti, evidence of associated settlements has been elusive until now. Lakhapar bridges that critical gap, offering a rare glimpse into both the living and the dead of the same cultural group.
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