JAISALMER: The potential discovery of artefacts linked to the Indus Valley Civilisation in the Thar Desert, near Jaisalmer district in western Rajasthan, close to the Pakistan border, has sparked significant interest among historians and archaeologists. Recent investigations in the border village of Sadhrewala, Ramgarh tehsil, particularly around Ratdiya Tala and nearby areas, have uncovered evidence of a settlement from the Harappan period. The discoveries include handmade red pottery such as jars, bowls, bangles, and perforated vessels with geometric patterns, along with wheat-coloured pottery, chert stone knives, and remnants of ancient brick walls, suggesting a well-organised urban settlement. The site was initially identified by Shri Pradeep Kumar Garg, a senior teacher at Rauma School, and Dr. Pankaj Chandak, an assistant professor in the Department of History at Himachal Pradesh University. To confirm the findings, Dr. Krishanpal Singh, principal of Aravali College, visited the site in June with the Save Our Heritage Foundation team. On 29 July 2025, a special survey led by renowned archaeologists Dr. Jeevanlal Khadgwal and Dr. Tamegh Panwar was conducted, assisted by water conservationist Chatarsingh Jam and local guide Bhoorsingh Jam. On 13 and 14 December, Dr. Pankaj Chandak and Shri Pradeep Kumar Garg carried out a detailed survey of 11 locations, including Kirsanwali Dehri, Girdhuwala, Ratdiya, Ranau Jujhar, Swamiji ki Dehri, Chauhatan Dehri, Chawra ka Tibba, Dedhi Talai, Kotda, Khara, and Rajaniya Talai. The survey was supported by local residents Kesri Singh Rathore, Hameer Singh, Shaitan Singh Sayant, Tulas Singh, Bhoor Singh Jam, Laxman Singh Rathore, Kanwraj Singh, and Amar Singh. Based on the evidence collected, Dr. Pankaj Chandak and Dr. Krishanpal Singh suggested that the area may have been a socially and economically developed Harappan urban centre. Dr. Pankaj Chandak presented the findings at the 39th Session of the Rajasthan History Congress in a research paper titled “Recent Archaeological Surveys in the Jaisalmer Region: With Special Reference to the Longewala Area.” Historian Dr. Manorama Upadhyay said the discovery by Shri Pradeep Kumar Garg and Dr. Pankaj Chandak could provide new insights into prehistoric studies in Rajasthan. If verified through scientific excavation and detailed archaeological research, the site could become an important landmark in the history of the Thar Desert and the wider context of ancient Indian civilisation.
