In a remarkable discovery that has taken the archaeological world by storm, Indian researchers have unearthed war chariots more than 4,000 years old in the royal tombs of Sinauli, Uttar Pradesh. This revolutionary find not only provides a glimpse into the military prowess of an ancient civilization that inhabited the region, but is also consistent with the practices of other modern cultures such as Mesopotamia and Greece. Wooden chariots decorated with copper fittings, swords and helmets challenge the common perception of the first wars in Hindustan.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) began excavations at Sinaul in 2005, discovering a necropolis with over 120 royal tombs. The tombs contained modern weapons, ceremonial objects, and especially war chariots comparable to those used by ancient Mesopotamian warriors. Researchers believe these artifacts belonged to the Ocher Pottery (OCP) culture, which flourished between 2000 and 1500 BC.
The excavation site also revealed exquisite copper swords, indicating that this region not only saw warfare, but also highly developed metallurgical skills. The intricate designs on the chariots, including copper geometric patterns and fig leaf symbols, hint at a sophisticated culture with strong ceremonial traditions.
These discoveries greatly improve our understanding of early Indian civilizations, placing them alongside their contemporaries in terms of military technology and social structure.
Expert opinion: This find has been called one of the most significant in Indian archaeology, changing the way historians view the technological and cultural progress of the ancient Indian subcontinent. According to archaeologist Rakesh Tiwari, "Sinauli war chariots are the oldest ever discovered in India, putting this civilization on a par with its western counterparts."
Why is this important? These discoveries have the potential to rewrite chapters of history by revealing that early Indian societies were much more advanced than previously thought. The breakthrough also prompts further excavations in the region, potentially revealing more information about India's ancient past.
Read more at Arkeonews.
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