Archaeological Museum, Kalibangan
Archaeological Museum, Kalibangan
Archaeological Museum, Kalibangan was established in the year 1985. The main objective of constructing this museum was, to display the objects which were recovered from the excavation, conducted under the direction of Professor B. B Lal, B. K. Thapar and J. P. Joshi, all former Directors General of the Archaeological Survey of India from 1961 to 1969 by the respective excavation field sessions. These excavations were carried out with the aim of knowing the cultural sequence and history of ancient site Kalibangan, which was formerly situated on the left bank of the Ghaggar river (ancient Saraswati river). This ancient site is currently divided into three mounds, out of which the largest mound is located in the middle (K.L.B.-2, Mature Harappan), the middle small mound is located in the west (K.L.B.-1, Early & Mature Harappan), and another small mound (K.L.B.-3, Mature Harappan) is located in the east. Evidence of two cultural periods have been obtained from here, which are of Early Harappan (about 3000-2700 BC) and Mature Harappan (about 2600-1900 BC). Apart from these, another mound known as KLB-8 burial area has also been reported. The antiquities obtained from the excavations are displayed in three galleries inside the museum.
In the first gallery pottery associated with the early Harappan art has been displayed, which are divided into six categories on the basis of fabrics and decorative motifs, somewhat different from the Mature Harappan art. Apart from this, games, measurement, human figures, animal figures such as dog, cat, bull, beaver and birds like ducks and parrots as well as seals & sealing containing Harappan script have also been displayed in this gallery.
In the second gallery, earthenware commonly used in houses and utensils used in funeral and funeral rites (large storage vessels, cylindrical vessels, dishes-on-stands, cups and saucers) obtained from excavations have been displayed.
The antiquities displayed in the third gallery include flint vanes, copper beads, alabaster bangles, terracotta beads and bangles, tools made of copper, pointed bone tools, terracotta pipes used for outlet of water from drains in floors and wells etc.