UNEARTHING HISTORY: The Fascinating Discoveries at Bahaj Village, Rajasthan

Tucked away in the Deeg district of Rajasthan, the quiet village of Bahaj was once just a dot on the map. But a recent archaeological excavation has changed all that. What lay beneath its sun-baked soil were not mere ruins—but clues to an ancient world, one that might reshape our understanding of settlement patterns in early north India.

Excavation Site at Bahaj

Launched in January 2024 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in collaboration with state archaeology department of Rajasthan, the excavation at Bahaj was triggered by local reports of terracotta brick remains.

The excavation, which took place between April 2024 and May 2025, yielded evidence of thriving settlements between 3500 and 1000 BCE. Following the discovery of an ancient palaeochannel 23 meters beneath Bahaj village by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), some historians and archaeologists have connected it to the fabled Saraswati River that finds reference in the Rig Veda.

Most of the finds are datable to the period of the Kushana and the Sunga dynasties. The palaeochannel, the first of its kind in Indian archaeological history, is one of the most notable finds. In a presentation at the Benaras Hindu University (BHU), Vinay Gupta, the superintending archaeologist of ASI Jaipur circle, stated, "This ancient river system nourished early human settlements and connects Bahaj to the larger Saraswati basin culture". The palaeochannel is an "unprecedented discovery confirming ancient water systems supported civilization here," according to Gupta.

Mathura is roughly 50 km away from Bahaj village. Located not far from ancient centres like Mathura and Bayana, the position of Bahaj is, therefore, of great historical interest. It could have functioned as a feeder settlement or religious adjunct to larger urban hubs. The principal discoveries include furnaces, a range of iron and copper artifacts, trenches with stratified walls, and the remains of residential buildings with earthen posts. Small stone implements or microlithic tools imply that the origins of this settlement go back to before the Holocene period. The discovery of furnaces and metal objects is indicative of an advanced knowledge of metallurgy possessed by the inhabitants.

Excavation Site, Bahaj

According to one report, over 800 artifacts have been discovered during the excavation, including copper coins, some 15 yajna kundas (sacrificial pits), pottery, some of the earliest seals written in Brahmi script, sculptures from the Mauryan period, terracotta images of Lord Shiva and Parvati dating back to at least 1000 BCE, and bone tools. Four unbaked sealings were also discovered by archaeologists, two of which had Brahmi letters written on them. These are thought to be the first observable examples of the Brahmi script in the subcontinent. Both Brahmi and Kharoshthi scripts have been found inscribed on the sealings. Apart from seals, inscriptions have aldo been found on some terracotta vessels, textiles, caskets and ringstones. Archaeologists claim this could be the oldest evidence of Brahmi script in the Indian subcontinent.

Amongst other notable discoveries were Yajna kundas from the Mahajanapada period, the majority of which contained tiny pots containing unmarked copper coins and sandy soil. Silver and copper punch-marked coins have also been found which indicates an early antiquity of the site. According to experts, this might call into question current chronologies regarding the genesis of Indian currency. The excavation also reveals the rich craft heritage of Bahaj, including the production of shell bangles, semi-precious beads, and bone tool industries.

Evidence from five different historical periods has been found during the excavation: the post-Harappan era, the Mahabharata period, the Mauryan period, the Kushan period, and the Gupta period. These results demonstrate the importance of the Braj area as a hub for historical, cultural, and religious heritage.

Artifact from the Shunga Period

According to ASI site head Pawan Saraswat, the excavation revealed a palaeochannel, or ancient river channel, that could be connected to the Saraswati River that finds mention in the Rigveda. The Saraswati valley was probably connected to the Mathura and Braj regions by this ancient water system, which is thought to have sustained early human settlements.

In addition, the ASI team discovered layers from the Mahabharata era that included remnants of fire rituals, pottery, and havan kundas (sacrificial altars) with circular and rectangular motifs. The pottery, according to officials, is consistent with descriptions of Mahabharata-era clothing and utensils. Archaeologists have also discovered a statue that is thought to be the head of the 400 BCE Mauryan-era Mother Goddess. Other discoveries include metallurgical furnaces that show the use of copper and iron, as well as mud walls and pillars typical of Gupta architecture. In this form, bone tools like needles, combs, and molds have been discovered for the first time in Indian archaeology. These provide information about everyday life and craftsmanship.

The terracotta statues of Shiva and Parvati unearthed, indicate close association with the Bhakti and Shakti traditions. Semi-precious stone beads and conch shell bangles serve as indicators of the area's artistic culture and trade networks. The ubiquity of Vedic and later Vedic religious practices is further supported by more than 15 yajna kundas, or ritual fire pits.

During the excavation, a human skeleton has also been discovered. According to one report, it has been sent to Israel for a thorough scientific examination. Not just for Rajasthan but for the whole of North India, this excavation opens a new era in our knowledge of ancient history. It is anticipated that the site will be designated a National Archaeological Protected Area after the ASI submitted a thorough report to the Ministry of Culture.

Terracotta figurine

From modest pottery shards to significant ritual structures, the findings at Bahaj compel us to revise how we view historical settlements in Rajasthan. Rather than isolated or peripheral, Bahaj was likely a vibrant participant in early historic socio-economic networks. Its strategic location and variety of artifacts point to a community that thrived on both agriculture and cultural exchange.

This excavation reminds us that many important chapters of Indian history remain buried—sometimes in plain sight. As archaeologists continue to unearth its secrets, Bahaj invites us to listen—to the silent language of its soil, the curves of its figurines, and the remnants of ancient fire. It is not just a village anymore—it is a voice from antiquity.