Haryana Declares Two Harappan Sites as State-Protected Archaeological Monuments08 Apr 2025

The Haryana government has declared Mitathal and Tighrana in the Bhiwani district as protected archaeological sites under the 1964 State Act. Mitathal, dating to the Harappan era, reveals Copper-Bronze Age culture with town planning, painted pottery, and artifacts. Tighrana, a Post-Harappan Chalcolithic site from around 2400 BCE, was inhabited by Sothians with mud-brick houses, agriculture, and craft industries. Both sites offer crucial insights into early settlements, agriculture, and trade and will be preserved with fencing and security arrangements.

Key Points:

Legal Protection of Historic Sites: The Haryana government has officially declared the Harappan sites of Mitathal and Tighrana in the Bhiwani district as protected archaeological monuments under the Haryana Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964, via a notification issued on March 13, 2025.
Mitathal Site Significance: Spanning 10 acres, Mitathal dates back to the Copper-Bronze Age (3rd–2nd millennia BCE) and showcases classic Harappan town planning, architecture, and redware pottery painted with geometric designs. Excavations revealed artifacts such as beads, copper tools, and terracotta objects.
Tighrana Site Features: Dating back to circa 2400 BCE, Tighrana was inhabited by Chalcolithic Sothian communities, characterized by mud-brick houses, agriculture, and craft industries, including bead and jewelry making with copper, bronze, and carnelian.