A Window into Ancient India
In June 2025, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) unveiled extraordinary discoveries at Bahaj village, Deeg district, Rajasthan – about 40 km from Bharatpur near the sacred Braj region. Excavations began in January and have since revealed artefacts that span multiple historic periods, from the Mahabharata era through the Maurya, Shunga, Kushan, and Gupta dynasties, with evidence dating back to 2500 BCE.
Key Discoveries
- Ancient river channel: A 23‑metre-deep palaeo-channel possibly linked to the legendary Saraswati River, indicating the site’s habitation from 3500 BC to 1000 BC.
- Archaeological strata: Five distinct occupation layers featuring residential structures, furnaces, trenches, and metal tools.
- Sacred remains: Yajna kundas (sacrificial pits), Shakti‑worship tanks, terracotta idols of Shiva–Parvati, and conch‑shell bangles dating to at least 1000 BCE.
- Unique tools: Bone‑made needles, combs, and moulds – unprecedented finds in India.
- Metalwork & coinage: Iron/copper implements, silver and copper coins from Kushan to Shunga eras.
- Statues & ritual relics: Heads of Mother Goddess idols from 400 BC, Ashvini Kumar statues linked to Mahabharata.
- Human remains: At least one skeleton, now being sent to Israel for carbon and cultural analysis.
What It Reveals About Ancient Life
These findings paint a vivid picture of a continuously inhabited, culturally rich region, where spiritual life, metallurgy, trade, and artistry flourished over millennia. The Saraswati-linked channel suggests advanced water‑management systems, while coinage and seals signal economic networks. Ritual artefacts and idols reflect deep religious traditions dating back to the Vedic and early historic periods.
Why It Matters
- Reshapes history: The depth and continuity of settlement push back timelines for civilisation in North India.
- Links myth with reality: The Saraswati connection gives weight to ancient Vedic texts.
- Region’s importance: Positions the Braj‑Deeg area as central to early Indian civilisation alongside Mathura & Bharatpur.
- Future of archaeology: This marks Rajasthan’s most significant excavation, and ASI plans to continue deep digs for more discoveries.
What’s Next?
The ASI report has been submitted to the Ministry of Culture. Excavation continues, and public exhibitions are planned – local museums like Deeg’s Jal Mahal and Jaipur’s department galleries are expected to display key artefacts.
Rewriting the Roots of Indian History
The excavation at Bahaj village is not just another archaeological dig – it’s a landmark discovery that promises to reshape our understanding of early Indian civilisation. Unearthing a 23‑metre-deep palaeo-channel – likely part of the legendary Saraswati River – alongside artefacts spanning from 3500 BC to 1000 BC, reveals a vibrant, continuous culture rooted in advanced metallurgy, trade, spirituality, and craftsmanship.
From microlithic tools to Yajna Kundas, Brahmi-script sealings, and evidence of ritual worship, every find paints a picture of a deeply sophisticated society—long before previously assumed timelines. As ASI Superintendent Vinay Gupta aptly noted, this could “rewrite key chapters of India’s early history”.
The significance is clear: this isn’t merely about pottery or statues – it’s about connecting myth with archaeology, affirming the deep civilisational roots of North India, and elevating the historical importance of the Braj region alongside Mathura and Bharatpur.
As excavation continues and artefacts move toward public display, this Rajasthan dig stands to become one of the most celebrated heritage stories of our time – cementing a narrative of continuity, ingenuity, and cultural pride that resonates across millennia.