Rare 5,000-Year-Old Mural Discovered at Harappan Site in Rakhigarhi
Archaeologists from the ASI have unearthed a rare wall painting at the Rakhigarhi site in Haryana, dating back to the Mature Harappan phase.
Key Points for Quick Revision
- Mural discovered at Rakhigarhi, Haryana, by the ASI.
- Dated to the Mature Harappan phase (approx. 5,000 years old).
- Features geometric and animal motifs, rare for the Indus Valley Civilization.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | High | 10–20 | Ancient, medieval, and modern history form a full section in UPSC Prelims and GS-I Mains. |
| State PCS / PSC | High | 5–10 | Regional history is specifically tested in state exams — Maratha history in Maharashtra, etc. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | Medium | 3–5 | Modern Indian history, freedom struggle, and cultural heritage appear in SSC CGL. |
What to Memorize from This Topic
- Anniversaries: birth/death anniversaries of important historical figures in the news
- Cultural events and their historical significance
- Archaeological discoveries: site, period, excavating body
- UNESCO World Heritage additions: site name, location, significance
- Art and literature awards linked to historical works
Practice Questions
Q1. Rakhigarhi, the Harappan site in the news, is located in which Indian state?
- Punjab
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
- Haryana
Explanation: Rakhigarhi is located in the Hisar district of Haryana and is one of the largest Harappan sites.
Q2. Which organization is responsible for the excavations at Rakhigarhi?
- NITI Aayog
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- Indian Council of Historical Research
- National Museum
Explanation: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the premier organization for archaeological research and protection of cultural heritage in India.
How to Prepare History & Culture for Government Exams
When a historical figure is in the news, revise 5 key facts about their contribution — this is typically what the exam asks.
For SSC and Railway, focus on dates and names. For UPSC, understand the social, economic, and political context.
Maintain a 'This Week in History' note — anniversaries and commemorations generate predictable exam questions.