Faces of a lost civilisation: Rakhigarhi skeletons to undergo DNA, facial reconstruction studies
GS1History · Society · Geography· Ancient & medieval India· Prelims·
Why in news
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is conducting DNA and facial reconstruction on 5,000-year-old skeletons from the Rakhigarhi site to study Harappan civilization's demographics.
Background
The Rakhigarhi site in Haryana yielded skeletons dating back approximately 5,000 years. Samples were sent to the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) in Kolkata and the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) in Lucknow for DNA and physical analysis.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceRakhigarhi: A major Harappan civilization site located in the state of Haryana.
- BodyAnthropological Survey of India (AnSI): A body under the Ministry of Culture responsible for anthropological research.
- BodyBirbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP): A premier institute for palaeosciences located in Lucknow.
- FactThe skeletons are approximately 5,000 years old, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization era.
For Mains
Q. How does the application of modern palaeogenetics and forensic reconstruction contribute to our understanding of the socio-cultural evolution of the Indus Valley Civilization?
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Genetic mapping: Identifying migratory patterns and ancestral lineages of the Harappan population to challenge traditional theories.
Keywords: Palaeogenetics · Indus Valley Civilization · Bio-archaeology · Facial Reconstruction · Demographic Analysis
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