Archaeological Destinations

An archaeological site is a place (or group of physical sites) in which evidence of past activity is preserved (either prehistoric or historic or contemporary), and which has been, or may be, investigated using the discipline of archaeology and represents a part of the archaeological record.

• Sanghol

  

  Sanghol, an ancient Harappan site near Fatehgarh Sahib, has yielded a treasure trove of archaeological finds since excavations first began here. Also called Ucha Pind because it rests on a mound, Sanghol finds mention in the 7th century writings of Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveller.

  Sanghol, an ancient Harappan site near Fatehgarh Sahib, has yielded a treasure trove of archaeological finds since excavations first began here. Also called Ucha Pind (high village) because it rests on a mound, Sanghol finds mention in the 7th century writings of Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveller. These discoveries at Sanghol have helped establish the existence of a distinct school of art in Punjab in ancient times, and also thrown light on the rich Buddhist settlements that existed in the region. The Archaeological Site Museum here displays a vast range of ancient and medieval heritage.

  Note: Sanghol is currently under renovation.

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• Archaeological Site Museum, Fatehgarh Sahib (Sanghol)

  

  This Archaeological Site Museum was established in 1990 to display the many ancient treasures that were discovered in 1984 during excavations. The museum, located in Sanghol village displays a vast range of heritage, from Harappan pottery and jewellery to artefacts from the Maurya, Sunga and Gupta dynasties.

  This Archaeological Site Museum was established in 1990 to display the many ancient treasures that were discovered in 1984 during excavations. The museum, located in Sanghol village displays a vast range of heritage, from Harappan pottery and jewellery to artefacts from the Maurya, Sunga and Gupta dynasties. Excavations suggest it was a Buddhist site during Kushana rule as two monasteries and a stupa from the period have been uncovered here. A seal inscribed with the name of the 5th century Huna ruler of Sanghol, who may have destroyed the Buddhist settlement, was also recovered.

  Among the 15,000 exhibits displayed are objects of terracotta and ivory, collections of coins, carvings and precious stones. There are over 70 artefacts from the Gupta period, including human, animal and bird figurines and a 4th century red sandstone head of the Buddha. The museum''s most prized possessions are 117 pieces of sculptures that formed the railing around the Stupa. From the Mathura school of art, they are considered among the earliest, and largest, discoveries of this style.

  Timings: 10am-5pm (Tues-Sun) / Closed: Monday / Entry: Free

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• Archaeological Museum, Rupnagar

  

  The Archeaological Museum of Rupnagar, located on the banks of the Sutlej, is a repository of a marvelous exhibition of Harappan antiquities, including jewelry beads, metallic implements, pottery, wheeled toys and shards from the painted grey ware culture that flourished in the first millennium BC.

  The Archeaological Museum of Rupnagar, located on the banks of the Sutlej, is a repository of a marvelous exhibition of Harappan antiquities, including jewelry beads, metallic implements, pottery, wheeled toys and shards from the painted grey ware culture that flourished in the first millennium BC. These fragile mementos have all been found in Rupnagar, the first Indian archaeological site to reveal Harappan remains. A large mound that marks this rich Indus Valley Civilisation treasure trove is still visible beside the museum complex. Excavations have also revealed layered inhabitation, evidenced in the artefacts from the Shakya, Kushana and Gupta periods on display at the museum, along side seals, carved figurines and gold coins. A three dimensional likeness of an undamaged grave, complete with skeleton, with the original ceremonial pottery encased separately, can also be seen here. A knowledgeable attendant is at hand to answer all your queries.

  Timings: 9am-5pm (Sat-Thurs)/Closed: Friday & Public Holidays / Tickets: Rs 5, Children under 15: free/ Photography: Prohibited

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• Rupnagar

  

  Rupnagar was the first archaeological site in independent India to reveal Harappan remains. Archaeologists and historians have speculated that this could well be one of the most ancient towns of the region as an expanding Indus Valley civilisation had evidently crossed the Sutlej River. Successive dynasties, from the Guptas to the Mughals, have also left their stamp on this town; historical evidence of which has been preserved and displayed in Rupnagar’s Archaeological Museum.

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• Dholbaha, Hoshiarpur

  

  Dholbaha is a rich archaeological site reportedly in existence since prehistoric times. Based on the cache of artefacts recovered here, scholars are of the opinion that Dholbaha was among the early inhabited regions of the world.

  Dholbaha is a rich archaeological site reportedly in existence since prehistoric times. Based on the cache of artefacts recovered here, scholars are of the opinion that Dholbaha was among the early inhabited regions of the world. Its historical relevance was first discovered when a variety of sculptures dating back to ancient and early medieval dynasties were found lying around the village. Many of the discoveries from the Gurjara-Pratiharas and the Paramaras dynasties can now be viewed at the Hoshiarpur Archaeological Museum.

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For more information, you can visit website : http://www.punjabtourism.gov.in/Archaelogical.aspx