Unveiling the Enigma of an Ancient Indian Mass Burial Site

Scientists have uncovered a vast burial site in India belonging to one of the earliest urban civilizations. The discovery sheds light on how early Indians lived and died. Initially believed to be an ancient settlement, the site in Gujarat turned out to be a cemetery. More than 150 Indian and international scientists participated in three excavation seasons, unearthing at least 500 graves of the Indus society, also known as the Harappan civilization. The burial ground, estimated to be around 4,600 years old, may be the largest "pre-urban" cemetery of the society discovered so far. The graves contain unique features, including sandstone-lined burial shafts that point in different directions, and a variety of burial artifacts. The funerals were relatively simple, with no valuables accompanying the dead. The health profile of those buried suggests they were generally well-fed and healthy. The burial ground raises questions about its significance and purpose, as well as the existence of nearby settlements. More research, including chemical studies and DNA testing, will yield further insights into the lives of the early Indians who lived in this region. The excavation team plans to continue their investigations by searching for potential settlements near the site.