Preliminary Studies on Exploration in Middle Reaches of Ghaggar River Basin

Abstract

The Ghaggar river which is also known as ancient Sarasvati river is noted for her mysterious disappearance. The scholars from different field are studying the river channel since the 18th century. Archaeologists were intrigued by the Ghaggar river channel due to the presence of archaeological sites all along the river basin. Explorations in the past resulted in locating hundreds of archaeological sites, particularly Harappan culture sites. A large number of Harappan sites along Ghaggar banks is evidence that Harappan culture flourished richly on Ghaggar river than on Indus river. The present research focuses on the middle reaches of Ghaggar river where the author conducted a systematic exploration to revisit previously reported sites and report new sites in the process. The main objective of this research paper is to discuss the site distribution pattern of explored sites in the region and to come up with probable explanations for the distribution pattern of the sites.