The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has unearthed evidence of a glorious civilisation dating back 4,500 years in Bahaj village of Deeg district, Rajasthan. The excavation, which began on January 10, 2024, and in June 2025 has revealed several significant findings, including a 23-metre-deep paleo-channel which archaeologists are linking to the mythical Saraswati River, which has been mentioned in the Rig Veda.
A Glimpse into Our Ancient Past
Over 800 artefacts have been unearthed in the excavation, including pottery, the oldest seals of Brahmi script, copper coins, Yajna Kund, Mauryan period sculptures, idols of Bhagwan Shiva and Parvati, and tools made of bones. The excavation has revealed evidence of five different periods, including the Harappan post-period, Mahabharata period, the Mauryan period, the Kushan period and the Gupta period. The recent findings suggest that the Braj region has been a centre of religious, cultural, and historical heritage. The excavation in Bahaj village reached a depth of about 23 meters, marking the deepest excavation ever conducted in Rajasthan to date.
According to the ASI team, the excavation also revealed Mahabharata-era layers with pottery and havan kunds, featuring rectangular and circular paintings and remains of fire rituals. The pottery matches descriptions of clothing and utensils from the Mahabharata period, officials said.
Archaeologists believe that excavations at this site have yielded a statue dating back to 400 BC, which is believed to be the head of the Mauryan Mother Goddess. Mud walls and pillars of the Gupta architectural style, furnaces related to metallurgy, which indicated the use of raw materials of copper and iron, are other discoveries.
Notably, the first to discover River Saraswat route was Itihas Sankalan Samiti inspired by RSS Veteran prachaarak Moropant Pingley and led by archaeologist DS Wakankar with scientific evidence.
