ASI unearths 'first-ever' physical evidence of Copper-Bronze age chariots

The "first ever" physical evidence of chariots dating 2000 BC - 1800 BC have been found by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) during a trial excavation in Sanauli village near Baghpat here.

Decorated with copper motifs, the findings of the Copper-Bronze age have opened up further research opportunities into the area's civilisation and culture.

The three-month long excavation, which started in March this year, has unearthed eight burial sites and several artifacts including three coffins, antenna swords, daggers, combs, and ornaments, among others.

The three chariots found in the burial pits could remind one of the familiar images of horse-drawn carriages from mythological television shows.

The relics suggest the existence of a two-wheeled open vehicle that may have been driven by one person.

"The wheels rotated on a fixed axle linked by a draft pole to the yoke of a pair of animals. The axle was attached with a superstructure consisting of a platform protected by side-screens and a high dashboard," S K Manjul, director of Delhi-based Institute of Archaeology, said.

The wheels and the pole have been found decorated with copper triangles, symbolic of the rays of the sun.

Manjul termed the digging drive a "path-breaking" one, also because of the copper plated anthropomorphic figures -- having horns and peepal-leafed crowns -- found on the coffins, that indicated a possiblity of "royal burials".

"For the first time in the entire sub-continent we have found this kind of a coffin. The cover is highly decorated with eight anthropomorphic figures. The sides of the coffins are also decorated with floral motifs," Manjul said.

While coffins have been discovered during past excavations in Harappa, Mohenjo-daro and Dholavira (Gujarat), but never with copper decorations, he added.

The findings also shed light on the noteworthy progress the Indian civilsation had made at the time, making it at par with the 2000 BC Mesopotamia.

"We are now certain that when in 2000 BC, the Mesopotamians were using chariots, swords, and helmets in wars, we also had similar things."
"The findings of the 2005 excavation -- pottery, beads and other cultural material -- were similar to those of the Harappan civilisation."