Archeological sites in Punjab are amongst the numerous ancient, historical regions in this northern Indian state, which have been existent from pre-historic times, some of them having witnessed the Stone Age, Indus Valley Civilization and others. They include the sites of Rupnagar or `Ropar`, Sanghol, Dholbaha in Hoshiarpur and have yielded various forms of ancient archaeological artefacts and figurines, upon being excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India. A majority of Punjab lies underground and in complete ruins due to it`s rigorous past and different historical backgrounds.
Sanghol
Located close to Fatehpur Sahib, Sanghol provides refuge to historical relics which can be traced back to the Harappan age of the 6th century AD, and consist of a Buddhist monastery complex and a stupa belonging to the 1st to the 2nd century AD. It is also referred to as `Ucha Pind` or high village since it is based over a mound, and Sanghol is mentioned in the travelogues of Hieun Tsang, the famous traveller. The artefacts unearthed indicate the existence of early Buddhist culture and settlements in this part of Punjab. However, at present, Sanghol is being renovated.
Rupnagar or Ropar
Also called Ropar, Rupnagar was the oldest Indian archaeological region which boasts of remnants of Harappan civilization, and is a major part of the Indus Valley Civilization. It is based near Sutlej River. Historical evidences have been discovered dating back to the period of Guptas till the Mughals. Wheeled toys, jewellery beads, pottery-ware, painted grey-ware, a gigantic archaeological mound, skeletal remains, graves and ceremonial pottery crafts have also been found from Rupnagar. Other artefacts uncovered are terracotta bangles and beads, steatite seal, terracotta lump of burnt clay, chert blades, bone arrowheads, copper artefacts, semi precious stones, ivory kohl sticks, etc. The oldest homes had been constructed with river pebbles.
Dholbaha
Existing since pre-historic ages, Dholbaha is believed to have been one of the oldest human inhabited areas of the entire world. Several historical objects belonging to the ancient and the early medieval period, particularly certain sculptures bear testimony to the fact stated above. Many discoveries dating back to the times of the Paramara Dynasty and also the Gurjara Pratiharas have been discovered from Dholbaha, and can be viewed at the Hoshiarpur Archaeological Museum. This region of India has been present since the Stone Age, especially the Pleistocene Period. Human population might have probably survived here during the 7th and 8th century AD. Axes, hand tools, statues, temples, etc have been found.
