Rajghat a key archaeological site in the Middle Ganga Valley

The Rajghat excavation is important for understanding the early urban and archaeological history of Varanasi.

About Rajghat

• Rajghat is located in eastern Varanasi, near the confluence of the Ganga and Varana rivers.
• The archaeological site represents an ancient settlement identified with the capital of the Kashi Janapada.
• Janapadas were territorial political units that emerged during the Later Vedic period.
• By the 6th century BCE, some Janapadas developed into larger kingdoms known as Mahajanapadas.
• Buddhist and Jain texts mention Kashi among the 16 Mahajanapadas of ancient India.
• While Sarnath emerged as a major religious and pilgrimage centre, Rajghat developed as the principal urban settlement of ancient Kashi.

Rajghat Excavation

• Rajghat was first systematically explored by Krishna Deva of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1940.
• The lowest archaeological layers yielded pre-Northern Black Polished Ware (pre-NBPW) associated with the early Iron Age.
• Archaeological evidence dates the beginning of settlement at Rajghat to around 800 BCE.
• Excavations have yielded hundreds of seals and sealings, some recording administrative units and officials.
• Other important discoveries include ivory and iron objects, punch-marked coins and terracotta figurines.
• These findings indicate Rajghat’s importance as an early urban, administrative and commercial centre of ancient Varanasi.