- By Yashashvi Tak
- Sat, 28 Jun 2025 01:50 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has uncovered an ancient palaeochannel buried 23 metres beneath Bahaj village in Rajasthan’s Deeg district. This discovery has prompted some historians and archaeologists to associate it with the legendary Saraswati river described in the Rig Veda. The excavation, conducted between April 2024 and May 2025, revealed evidence of human settlements that flourished between 4500 and 1000 BC.
Most of the discoveries trace back to the Kushan, Magadha, and Sunga dynasties. The most notable among them is the palaeochannel, marking the first discovery of its kind in the history of Indian archaeology.
More than 800 artefacts have been unearthed during the excavation, including pottery, some of the earliest seals inscribed with Brahmi script, copper coins, a Yajna Kund, sculptures from the Mauryan period, idols of Lord Shiva and Parvati, and tools crafted from bone, according to the NDTV report.
“This ancient river system nourished early human settlements and connects Bahaj to the larger Saraswati basin culture,” said Vinay Gupta according to the TOI report, superintending archaeologist of ASI Jaipur, in a presentation at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Gupta described the palaeochannel as an “unprecedented discovery confirming ancient water systems supported civilisation here”.
What Has Been Uncovered During The Research?
According to the NDTV report, the excavation has uncovered evidence spanning five distinct historical periods: the post-Harappan era, the Mahabharata period, the Mauryan period, the Kushan period, and the Gupta period. These findings highlight the Braj region’s significance as a center of religious, cultural, and historical heritage. Reaching a depth of approximately 23 meters, the dig at Bahaj village stands as the deepest archaeological excavation ever undertaken in Rajasthan.
Ancient River Discovery
ASI site head Pawan Saraswat told NDTV that the excavation uncovered an ancient river channel, or palaeochannel, which may be linked to the Saraswati River mentioned in the Rigveda. This ancient water system is believed to have supported early human settlements and likely connected the Saraswati valley with the Mathura and Braj regions.
Mahabharata-Era Evidence
The ASI team also identified layers dating to the Mahabharata period, revealing pottery and havan kunds (sacrificial altars) featuring rectangular and circular motifs, as well as traces of fire rituals. Officials noted that the pottery matches descriptions of utensils and clothing from the Mahabharata era.
According to the NDTV report, archaeologists uncovered a statue believed to be the head of the Mauryan-era Mother Goddess, estimated to date back to 400 BC. Additional findings include mud walls and pillars characteristic of Gupta architecture, and furnaces associated with metallurgy, indicating the use of copper and iron.
For the first time in Indian archaeology, tools made from bone, such as needles, combs, and molds, have been found in this form. These offer insights into daily life and craftsmanship in ancient societies.
Religious and Cultural Symbols
Terracotta statues of Shiva and Parvati were discovered, reflecting links to the Shakti and Bhakti traditions. Conch shell bangles and semi-precious stone beads point to the region’s trade networks and aesthetic culture. Over 15 yajna kunds (ritual fire pits) further confirm the prevalence of Vedic and later Vedic religious practices.
Human Skeleton Recovered
A human skeleton was also recovered during the excavation. It has been sent to Israel for detailed scientific analysis, according to the NDTV report.
This excavation opens a new chapter in the understanding of ancient history, not only for Rajasthan but for all of North India. The ASI has submitted a detailed report to the Ministry of Culture, and the site is expected to be declared a National Archaeological Protected Area.
