Kalibangan

Kalibangan is an archaeological site located in Rajasthan, India, that was a major provincial capital of the Indus Valley Civilization. It flourished between 3000 BCE and 1300 BCE, with its mature phase dating from 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. The site was excavated by B. B. Lal and B. K. Thapar in the 1960s.

Kalibangan is known for its unique findings that shed light on the life and practices of the Indus people. Among the most significant discoveries are evidence of the earliest known ploughed field, dating back to the pre-Harappan period, which suggests advanced agricultural techniques. The site also yielded fire altars, indicating ritualistic practices, and a citadel and lower town, characteristic of Indus urban planning.

The city was divided into two parts: a citadel on the west and a lower town on the east. Both were fortified with mud-brick walls. Artifacts found at Kalibangan include pottery, terracotta figurines, seals, and tools made of stone and copper. The decline of Kalibangan, like other Indus cities, is thought to be due to a combination of factors including environmental changes and shifts in river courses. It remains a crucial site for understanding the socio-economic and cultural aspects of the Indus Valley Civilization.