Over 800 Ancient Objects from Five Civilizations Unearthed in Bahaj Village to Be Showcased on May 18
In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, more than 800 rare artifacts—some dating back to the Mahabharata period—will be displayed at an exclusive exhibition in Bahaj village of Deeg district, Rajasthan, on International Museum Day, May 18, 2025. The event, organized by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), will take place at Nand Bhawan, Jal Mahal, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon.
Excavation Reveals Five Layers of Ancient Civilizations
The archaeological excavation, which began on January 10, 2024, uncovered remains from five major historical periods:
- Mahabharata Period
- Mahajanapada Period
- Maurya Period
- Shunga Period
- Kushan Period
These findings have added an important chapter to India’s ancient cultural narrative, with experts calling it one of the deepest and most significant digs in Rajasthan’s history.
What Visitors Will See at the Exhibition
The exhibition will feature:
- Bone tools and needles — never before found in India, possibly used for writing or weaving.
- Color-changing black beads (Kale Manke) from the Shunga period.
- An idol head of Matrudevi from the Maurya dynasty.
- Pottery shards, clay vessels, and sculptures from multiple periods.
- A 1,000-year-old Havan Kund and a statue of Ashwini Kumar, linked to Vedic traditions.
- Skeletal remains composed of bone fragments, adding anthropological depth to the findings.
All artifacts will be categorized across eight tables to represent the different eras and styles.
Bahaj Excavation: A New Milestone in Indian Archaeology
According to ASI officials, the excavation site in Bahaj revealed deposits up to four meters deep from the Mahabharata period—the deepest archaeological layer found in Rajasthan to date. Experts believe that these discoveries hold national significance, providing rare insight into Aryan and Harappan influences in this region.
Future Plans: Permanent Museum in the Works
The ASI has announced plans to permanently preserve and display these findings in a dedicated museum to promote public education and awareness of India’s ancient civilizations. The goal is to strengthen community connection to cultural heritage while boosting heritage tourism in the Deeg region.