Kerala University’s archaeological excavation unearths 5,300-year-old Early Harappan settlement in Gujarat

University of Kerala archaeologists uncover 5,300-year-old Early Harappan settlement near Lakhapar village in Gujarat, revealing unique cultural insights.

Archaeologists from the University of Kerala have unearthed a 5,300-year-old settlement near Lakhapar village in western Kachchh, Gujarat.

The excavation has revealed an Early Harappan habitation site, located near the now-quiet Gandi river, once a perennial water source, spanning nearly three hectares on either side of the Gaduli-Lakhapar road. The site was first identified in 2022 by a team led by Abhayan G.S. and Rajesh S.V. from the Department of Archaeology, Kerala University.

The collaborative project, involving both international and national institutions, builds upon the team’s earlier work at the nearby Early Harappan necropolis of Juna Khatiya, just 1.5 km away, where they had documented 197 burials over three field seasons since 2019.

The Lakhapar discoveries now provide critical habitation context to those burials, suggesting a dynamic, interconnected cultural landscape in the arid Kachchh desert.

The excavation uncovered structural remnants, walls made of local sandstone and shale, indicating well-planned construction activities.

Particularly striking is the presence of pottery from both Early and Classical Harappan phases, dating back to around 3300 BC. Among these finds is the extremely rare Pre-Prabhas Ware, previously known from only three sites across Gujarat. The presence of this distinct ceramic tradition at Lakhapar points to a culturally unique group within the larger Harappan civilization.

Even more intriguing is the discovery of a human burial in the vicinity of the settlement. The skeleton, though poorly preserved, was interred directly in a pit with no visible architecture or markers and accompanied by Pre-Prabhas Ware pottery. This is the first known burial to include this rare ware, hinting at a previously undocumented ritual practice or subgroup within the Early Harappan population, the researchers point out.