Introduction
✔ Period: 2900 BCE – 1700 BCE (Early & Mature Harappan Phase)
✔ Location: Hanumangarh District, Rajasthan, India
✔ River: Situated on the banks of the Ghaggar River (Saraswati River)
✔ Discovered by: Luigi Pio Tessitori (1919); Excavated by B.B. Lal (1961-69)
✔ Cultural Significance: Part of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), known for earliest ploughed field evidence
✔ Meaning of Kalibangan: The name “Kalibangan” in Rajasthani language means “Black Bangles” (Kali = Black, Bangan = Bangles). The site was named so because many black-colored terracotta bangles were discovered during excavations.
Key Features of Kalibangan
1. Urban Planning & Architecture
✔ Divided into Two Parts:
- Citadel (Western Part): Had mud-brick structures, a unique fire altar, and ceremonial buildings.
- Lower Town (Eastern Part): Residential area with well-organized houses and drainage system.
✔ Defensive Walls: Both the Citadel and Lower Town were fortified with mud-brick walls.
✔ No Large Public Buildings: Unlike Mohenjo-Daro, Kalibangan lacked massive public structures.
2. Agriculture & Economy
✔ Earliest Evidence of Ploughed Field:
- Found near Kalibangan, indicating advanced agriculture.
- Furrows were oriented in a grid pattern to retain moisture.
✔ Crops Cultivated: - Wheat, barley, pulses, mustard, and cotton.
✔ Domestication of Animals: - Evidence of cattle, sheep, goats, and buffaloes.
✔ Trade & Craftsmanship: - Involved in pottery-making, bead-making, and tool production.
3. Fire Altars & Religious Practices
✔ Unique Fire Altars:
- Found in the Citadel, indicating ritualistic fire worship.
- Suggests Vedic influences or early religious practices.
✔ Burial Practices: - Cemetery Evidence (Graveyards found)
- Some burials were simple, while others had burial pots.
✔ Terracotta Figurines: - Mother Goddess idols and bull figurines suggest religious beliefs.
4. Pottery & Artifacts
✔ Distinctive Pottery:
- Black-on-Red Ware (BRW) pottery found.
- Painted with geometric and animal motifs.
✔ Harappan Seals: - Similar to those found at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
✔ Copper & Stone Tools: - Indicating metal usage but no evidence of iron.
Decline of Kalibangan
✔ Drying of the Saraswati River:
- The Ghaggar-Hakra river system (believed to be the Saraswati River) dried up.
✔ Earthquakes: - Evidence of seismic activity that could have led to the abandonment.
✔ Gradual Abandonment: - Unlike Mohenjo-Daro, there is no evidence of sudden destruction.
Significance of Kalibangan
✔ Earliest Evidence of Ploughed Fields in the world.
✔ Fire Altars Indicate Religious Practices in the Harappan civilization.
✔ Important Trade & Agricultural Center of the Indus Valley Civilization.
✔ Well-Planned Urban Settlement with Fortifications.
✔ Influence on Later Vedic Culture due to early fire worship.
MCQs on Kalibangan
- Where is Kalibangan located?
- (a) Gujarat
- (b) Rajasthan
- (c) Punjab
- (d) Haryana
- Answer: (b) Rajasthan
- Which river was Kalibangan located near?
- (a) Indus
- (b) Ravi
- (c) Ghaggar
- (d) Ganges
- Answer: (c) Ghaggar
- Kalibangan is famous for which of the following features?
- (a) Granaries
- (b) Dockyard
- (c) Fire Altars
- (d) Large Public Baths
- Answer: (c) Fire Altars
- Which type of pottery is most commonly associated with Kalibangan?
- (a) Painted Grey Ware
- (b) Black-on-Red Ware
- (c) Red Polished Ware
- (d) Northern Black Polished Ware
- Answer: (b) Black-on-Red Ware
- What is the main reason for the decline of Kalibangan?
- (a) Invasion by Aryans
- (b) Flooding of the Indus River
- (c) Drying of the Saraswati River
- (d) Earthquake and epidemic
- Answer: (c) Drying of the Saraswati River
Subjective Questions on Kalibangan
- Describe the urban planning and fortifications of Kalibangan.
- Explain the significance of the fire altars found at Kalibangan.
- How does the evidence of ploughed fields at Kalibangan contribute to our understanding of ancient Indian agriculture?
- Discuss the economic and trade activities at Kalibangan.
- What were the main reasons for the decline of Kalibangan?
Kalibangan is an important Indus Valley Civilization site, providing valuable insights into agriculture, urban planning, and religious practices. It is frequently asked in UPSC, SSC, and state PSC exams. 🚀