Context

The proposed development of five iconic archaeological sites located across five states, including Rakhigarhi, Haryana was conceptualized in the Union budget of 2020.

About

Rakhigarhi

• Representation of Harappan Culture: The site has yielded various stages of Harappan culture.
• It is by far one of the largest Harappan sites in India.
• Seven (07) mounds are located here.

• Collective Site: The ancient site of Rakhi-Khas and Rakhi-Shahpur are collectively known as Rakhigarhi.
• Location: It is located on the right bank of the now dried-up Palaeo-channel of Drishadvati (Saraswati basin).
  
  
• Some important discovered features:
• Infrastructure: paved roads, drainage system, large rainwater collection, storage system, terracotta bricks.
• Art: statue production, and skilled working of bronze and precious metals have been uncovered.
• Jewelry, bangles made from terracotta, conch shells, gold, and semi-precious stones.
• Fire altars and apsidal structures were revealed in Rakhigarh

Five places to be developed as “iconic sites” The government proposes to set up an Indian Institute of Heritage and Conservation under the Ministry of Culture. Under this five archaeological sites will be developed as “iconic sites”: Rakhigarhi (Haryana) Hastinapur (Uttar Pradesh) Sivsagar (Assam) Dholavira (Gujarat) Adichanallur (Tamil Nadu)