A 5,200-year-old cemetery found in India

Gujarat: (Suno News) Scientists have discovered a cemetery in India that is one of the world’s oldest urban civilizations. Research from the findings in this cemetery reveals insights into how ancient people in India lived and died.

Located in the village of Kutch in Gujarat, this excavation site spans approximately 40 acres and has involved more than 150 scientists from India and abroad. It is believed that there are around 500 cemeteries in this region, with over 200 of them excavated so far. These cemeteries are associated with the Indus Valley Civilization.

The ancient civilization that thrived here 5,300 years ago primarily consisted of farmers and traders. The people of this region lived in well-planned cities made of fired bricks. The origin of this civilization is in the northwestern part of India, with some parts extending into Pakistan.

The excavation in the village of Khirsara in Gujarat, where the findings have been made, could be the oldest and largest cemetery of the Harappan civilization, which scientists believe was in use for about 500 years from 3200 BC to 2600 BC, making this cemetery about 5,200 years old.

So far, the excavations have revealed a complete human skeleton, intact without any fractures or damage. Researchers also found a well-preserved human skull, complete with cranial bones and teeth. They have also discovered various artifacts that were used during burial ceremonies, including Lapis Lazuli beads, considered precious stones.

These cemeteries also exhibit various shapes, with some graves being oval while others are rectangular. Some of these graves are smaller and are believed to have been used for burying children. Most of the skeletons have deteriorated due to the alkaline soil.

Prior to this discovery, significant findings had already been made from previous excavations in the Punjab region of Pakistan, shedding light on the burial practices and traditions of the people in the Indus Valley. Most bodies were wrapped in cloth and placed in rectangular coffins made of wood. Before placing the coffin in the grave, it was often kept in a mud-brick chamber. Some individuals were buried with personal ornaments like bangles, beads, and amulets.