HistoryCulture
News 21 of 23

Rajghat Excavation Boxes Opened After 70 Years: 10,000+ Artifacts from 800 BC to Medieval Period

Culture & HistoryHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
27 Aug 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:800 BC10,000+ artifacts3,000 glass slides5,000 negatives19391957-1969
Bodies:ASIBHUUttar Pradesh State Archaeology Department
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.Rajghat, located near confluence of Ganga and Varuna in Varanasi, is a key archaeological site in the Middle Ganga Valley, capital of Kashi Mahajanapada.

2.Excavations by ASI and BHU (1957-1969) unearthed six cultural periods from 800 BC to medieval period, with structures, terracotta, seals, and artifacts.

3.Reopened boxes contain over 10,000 artifacts (including 3,000-year-old painted black pottery), 3,000 glass slides, 5,000 negatives documenting sites, and a human skeleton for DNA analysis.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

Rajghat excavation in Varanasi reveals continuous human settlement from 800 BC to medieval period, providing insights into ancient Kashi Mahajanapada. The reopening of 22 boxes after 70 years yielded over 10,000 artifacts including Painted Black Pottery, Brahmi script seals, and rare photographs of archaeological sites like Ajanta and Ellora. This is crucial for UPSC History (Middle Ganga Valley, Mahajanapadas) and Art & Culture.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

LocationNorth-eastern edge of Varanasi, confluence of Ganga and Varuna
First Discovery1939 during Kashi railway station expansion
Excavation Period1957-1969 jointly by ASI and BHU
Cultural Periods6 periods from 800 BC to medieval
Artefacts Count10,000+
Photographs3,000 glass slides + 5,000 negatives
BalirajgarhBihar, capital of King Bali, Videha Kingdom, protected since 1938

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Location: North-eastern edge of Varanasi, confluence of Ganga and Varuna
  • ›First Discovery: 1939 during Kashi railway station expansion
  • ›Target this Data: Earliest cultural period at Rajghat: 800 BC; Number of artifacts: 10,000+; Glass slides: 3,000
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Balirajgarh declared protected site by ASI in 1938

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which university's Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology received the 22 boxes of Rajghat excavation artifacts?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding Rajghat excavation:

1. Rajghat is located near the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.

2. The first archaeological remains at the site were discovered in 1939 during the expansion of the Kashi railway station.

3. Excavations were carried out jointly by the ASI and BHU between 1957 and 1969.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

How many glass slides documenting archaeological sites were found in the reopened boxes from Rajghat excavation?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary significance of the Rajghat excavation for understanding ancient Indian history?

All 15 MCQs ▸
Read original article from Indian Express
You finished this topic
Practice 3 MCQs from this newsNext Article
Explore Related Topics
Culture & HistoryView Topic MCQs →
PreviousBRICS+ Expands to 11 Members, 10 Partners; 2026 Summit in Delhi Focuses on 4 PrioritiesNext NHAI's MLFF Barrier-Less Tolling: 10% Vehicles Miss Payments, 10.52 Lakh E-Notices in 3 Months
Related Current Affairs
Culture & History Current Affairs

Sarnath Inscribed as India's 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site: Key Facts for Prelims & Mains

Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, has been inscribed as India's 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site. The article traces India's UNESCO journey from the Ajanta Caves (1983) to Sarnath (2026), explains the nomination process, and highlights the significance of World Heritage status. Essential for static GK and current affairs.

Polity Current Affairs

Constituent Assembly Adopted Munshi–Ayyangar Formula: Hindi Official, English Transition 15 Years

The article details the heated Constituent Assembly debates over India's official language, culminating in the Munshi–Ayyangar formula on 14 September 1949. This compromise designated Hindi as the official language while retaining English for 15 years, with 14 other languages recognized in the Eighth Schedule. For exam purposes, understand the distinction between 'official' and 'national' language and the Articles 343–351.

Polity Current Affairs

Justice Liberhan Commission: Babri Masjid Demolition Was a Well-Planned Civil Conspiracy

Justice Manmohan Singh Liberhan, head of the one-man Commission of Inquiry into the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition, passed away. His 2009 report concluded the demolition was a meticulously planned civil conspiracy involving RSS, VHP, Bajrang Dal, BJP, and Shiv Sena — a finding he never retracted despite the 2020 CBI court acquittals.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

BRICS Adopts Bhopal Declaration: AI Transparency, Creator Rights, Artist Registry Focus

The BRICS Culture Ministers' meeting in Bhopal adopted the 'Bhopal Declaration', focusing on cultural cooperation, creator networking, and AI transparency. India also announced a pilot 'Voluntary Artist Registry' to strengthen cultural exchanges. This is key for understanding BRICS cultural diplomacy and India's role in shaping digital-era intellectual property norms.

Polity Current Affairs

Lok Sabha Passes Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026; State Renamed 'Keralam' via Article 3

The Lok Sabha has passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to change the state's name from 'Kerala' to 'Keralam' in the Constitution. The Bill follows two unanimous state assembly resolutions and must now be passed by Rajya Sabha and receive President's assent. This is a key example of Article 3 procedure for state name change.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

India Rejects China-Pakistan Boundary Joint Commission: 1963 Agreement Ceded 5,180 sq km of Shaksgam Valley, India Claims 38,000 sq km

India has rejected the newly operationalized China-Pakistan Boundary Joint Commission, reiterating that no border exists between the two nations as it involves Indian territory illegally occupied by Pakistan. The commission traces back to the 1963 China-Pakistan Boundary Agreement, under which Pakistan ceded the Shaksgam Valley (5,180 sq km) to China, while India continues to claim approximately 38,000 sq km of its territory in Ladakh under Chinese occupation. This issue has been a persistent point of contention with historical roots in the Treaty of Amritsar (1846) and India's consistent diplomatic protests.

Polity Current Affairs

Karnataka Cabinet Approves Tulu as Additional Official Language in Two Districts, ₹82 Lakh Annual Allocation

The Karnataka cabinet has approved Tulu as an additional official language for Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, allocating ₹82 lakh annually for translation and training. This empowers Tulu speakers to use their language in local administration and meetings, while reigniting the demand to include Tulu in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The move follows years of advocacy and two committee reports.

Polity Current Affairs

Article 44 (UCC) Debate: Constituent Assembly Arguments, Ambedkar’s Voluntary Adoption Vision

This article reconstructs the Constituent Assembly debate on November 23, 1948, over what became Article 44 (Uniform Civil Code). It captures arguments from both sides — those fearing state tyranny and religious interference, and those pressing for national unity and women's rights. Dr. Ambedkar’s response, including his suggestion that a future Parliament could make the Code voluntary, is a key takeaway for aspirants.

Start Today's Quiz(15 Qs)