Budget announces Rakhigarhi as new tourism hub in Haryana:Listed among 15 iconic archaeological sites; pathways to be built, guides to be appointed

Haryana’s Rakhigarhi in Hisar district will now be included in the list of 15 iconic archaeological sites in India. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced this during the Budget presentation in Parliament on Sunday (1 February). The move is expected to give international recognition to Rakhigarhi, one of the centres of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, and boost its profile in the global tourism sector. To promote tourism, the Finance Minister said pathways will be developed at the site. Cultural programmes will also be organised to make the historical and cultural heritage accessible to visitors. Previously, in the 2025–26 Union Budget, ₹500 crore had been allocated to transform Rakhigarhi into a global heritage centre. Key facts about Rakhigarhi: 60 skeletons discovered together: Excavations at Rakhigarhi have revealed a 6,000-year-old Harappan civilisation. Archaeologists have found 60 human skeletons together, along with women’s jewellery, ancient scripts, and a water drainage system, showing that this civilisation lived in a well-planned urban settlement. Attention drawn by mounds: The site features tall mounds resembling Mesopotamian pyramids, spread over 550 hectares. These nine mounds attracted the attention of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which began detailed surveys. ASI teams from Delhi continue to work on the site. Decline due to dried river: Rakhigarhi is considered one of the largest Harappan sites. The site is located on the banks of the ancient Saraswati River, with its tributary Drishadvati nearby. Historians believe the city declined after the river dried up. So far, ASI has acquired land from five mounds. Findings from excavations: First excavation – human skeleton: About 28 years ago, ASI started excavations under Amrendra Nath. In 1997–98, mounds 6 and 7 were dug, revealing a human skeleton from mound 7. This skeleton is now displayed at the National Museum, Delhi. Second excavation – 60 skeletons: In 2013–14, under the leadership of Deccan University Vice-Chancellor Vasant Sindhe, excavations at mounds 1–2 and 6–7 uncovered around 60 skeletons. DNA analysis estimated the civilisation to be about 5,500 years old. Items such as vessels, wells, and dried riverbeds were also found. Third excavation – house walls and artefacts: In 2023–24, ASI under Additional Director General Dr. Sanjay Kumar Manjul unearthed 6,000-year-old house walls, conch bangles, mud bricks, copper items, beads, and seals. Excavation work at the mounds has been ongoing since then.