Mangar Bani
Recent discoveries in the Mangar region of the Aravalli mountain range have revealed archaeological findings. Researchers have identified a variety of prehistoric tools dating back to the Lower Palaeolithic era. These findings provide vital information about the lives of early human populations who inhabited this area. The tools, including handaxes and cleavers, belong to the Acheulian cultural phase, dating from 200,000 to 500,000 years ago.
About the Aravalli Range
- The Aravalli Range is among the world’s oldest fold mountain systems.
- Stretching for about 670 km (430 miles) in a southwest direction, it begins near Delhi, runs through southern Haryana and Rajasthan, and concludes in Gujarat.
- Its highest point is Guru Shikhar, standing at 1,722 meters (5,650 feet), located in Rajasthan’s Arbuda Hills.
- Several important rivers originate from the Aravallis, including the Banas and Sahibi (tributaries of the Yamuna) and the Luni River, which drains into the Rann of Kutch.
- Geological Formation:
- The range belongs to the Aravalli-Delhi orogenic belt, formed during the Proterozoic era due to tectonic plate collisions.
- It is part of the Indian Shield, created through ancient cratonic collisions.
- The mountains were once much higher but have been heavily eroded over millions of years.
- The region is abundant in minerals like copper, zinc, lead, and marble.
- It is categorized into two main sections:
- The Sambhar–Sirohi range, which includes higher elevations like Guru Shikhar.
- The Sambhar–Khetri range, consisting of three broken ridges.
Mangar Bani
Mangar Bani is a notable archaeological site located near Mangar village on the Delhi-Haryana border. It spans 677.12 acres and is considered one of the most sacred groves in the National Capital Region. The site is rich in biodiversity, housing approximately 240 bird species and 15 mammal species, including leopards and hyenas. This ecological richness adds to the site’s archaeological importance.
Archaeological Findings
Archaeologists have uncovered nearly 200 artefacts in the Mangar area. These tools are crucial for understanding the daily lives of hunter-gatherers. The findings suggest that the region was site for prehistoric human activity. Researchers have also discovered cave paintings that likely belong to the Upper Palaeolithic age. These paintings depict animal and nature motifs, indicating the artistic expressions of early humans.
Research Methodology
The archaeological exploration is led by experts from the Academy for Archaeological Heritage Research and Training (AAHRT) and the Centre for Ecology Development and Research (CEDAR). The team is employing methods such as thermoluminescence dating to ascertain the age of the tools. This technique measures the accumulated radiation dose since the materials were last heated or exposed to sunlight.
Historical Context
The Aravalli range is one of the oldest mountain systems and has a rich archaeological heritage. Evidence of various cultures, including the Acheulean and Mesolithic, has been found in this region. The area has been historically for its rock paintings and ancient settlements. Archaeologists believe that the atmospheric conditions in the Aravallis were conducive for early human settlement.
Conservation Challenges
Despite its ecological and archaeological significance, Mangar Bani faces threats from urban development. The recent Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, has raised concerns about the protection of unrecorded deemed forests. This legislation may leave areas like Mangar Bani vulnerable to real estate development, jeopardising both its natural and archaeological heritage.
Future Directions
There is a pressing need for systematic documentation of the archaeological findings in Mangar. Experts advocate for the area to be officially recognised for its archaeological value and protected as a forest. This recognition is crucial for preserving the rich prehistoric past of the region and ensuring the conservation of its biodiversity.
| Related Articles | |
|---|---|
