Shikarpur, situated in Gujarat, is a small village where archaeological excavations of the nearby areas have furnished artefacts belonging to Indus Valley Civilisation. Evidences suggest that in ancient times, the Harappans settled over an area of 3.4 hectares near Shikarpur and were mainly engaged in the manufacture of various articles.
Excavations at Shikarpur
During the years of 1987 to 1989, archaeological excavations were carried out by the Gujarat State Archaeology Department in the area. 3 metre thick deposits were unearthed through excavations in which the lowest layer represented the early Harappan period whereas the upper one represented mature Harappan period. From 2007 to 2008, further excavations were conducted by The Maharaja Sayyajirao University, Vadodara which further unearthed some significant artefacts and important details about the civilization.
Antiquities at Shikarpur
Various artefacts unearthed at Shikarpur include jewellery of semi precious stones, terracotta and steatite, shell and terracotta bangles, knives and chisel made of copper, rings, arrowheads, toy cart frames of terracotta and animal figures. Another significant finding was a terracotta depiction of a human torso which was well baked.
However the lower part of its body, head and arms were broken off. Pottery having attractive embellishments with engraved motifs and drawings has also been recovered. Other articles include miniature pots, bowls, dish on stand, carnelian drill-bits, micro gold beads, bone made pecker points and trimmer, bull figurines, triangular cakes, terracotta toy-car frame and wheels, conch shell bangles and many more.
Trade Artefacts at Shikarpur
Excavations in Shikarpur have furnished two seals of terracotta having inscriptions. One of them has clear stampings of three consecutive Harappan seals. Another seal has a picture of three headed unicorn. Mark of the thread and knots can be found on the reverse side of the sealings. These consolidate the fact that Shikarpur once served as an important centre of trade.
Skeletal Remains at Shikarpur
At Shikarpur, 15,483 bones pieces were excavated which were further studied at Archaeology Laboratory, Deccan College Pune. The study has revealed subsistence patterns of Harappans. Out of all, 53.46 percent of the bones have been identified which constitute 47 species including 13 mammals. Numerous cattle bones were found along with bones of rhino, hare, wild pig, deer, black buck, nilgai and wild buffalo. Evidences of the presence of five fish, three birds and 13 molluscs have also been registered which illuminates the food habits of the Harappans. In mature Harappan phase of this region, little remains of horse bones have also been recovered.
