4000-year-old chariot found in Uttar Pradesh Village

Sinhauli village in Uttar Pradesh had been a site of interest for Indian archaeologists for more than a decade now. When the officials of Archeological Survey of India (ASI) had unearthed around 116 ancient burials sites and mortal remains, it confirmed the existence of an ancient civilization in the region.

In the small, nondescript village, ASI recently found a 4000-year-old chariot for the first time in the history of the Indian subcontinent. The chariot has been found near a burial ground which also contained a coffin placed between the chariots.

"The findings are extremely significant to understand the new cultural horizon of the region and its relationship with Indus valley civilization. However, unlike Indus valley civilization, archaeologists have discovered chariots engraved with copper, which also symbolizes royalty and technical perfections of the era," says S K Manjul, Director, Institute of Archeology (ASI).

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‌Mujal further explained that these remains clearly showcased the sophistication of the culture, casting techniques, weaving art and a craft certainty so improved that even woodcraft is a meticulous and beautifully made coffin.

ASI started the excavation at the site in April 2018. Extensive exploration work was undertaken along with the excavation work at Barnawa for a better understanding of settlement pattern of the prehistoric period of this region.

The copper-plated wooden coffin recovered at the site clearly indicated the vast progress made by the ancient Indians in the metallurgy. There were engravings of anthropomorphic figures on the coffin. The casket itself was of unique design with legs on its 4 corners.

Small copper articles resembling nails and rivets were also recovered from the site. The recovery puts the Indian civilization in line with that of Greece and Mesopotamia.

Officials working at the site observed that the recovery of ornaments, weapons and combs near the coffin indicated the ancient Indians believed in an afterlife. Burying the departed along with their personal belongings is a distinct feature of the Egyptian civilization.

Shiv Lal, the owner of the excavated land, says that they are not at a loss even if they have to give away their lands as the name of their village will be written in history books. There have been several excavations in the area, however, this site has reported some outstanding discoveries such as wooden legged cot like coffins with copper plating and decorations, eight anthropomorphic figures having two horned and peepal leafed crown decorated on the cover of the coffin and the remains of chariots along with burial goods and coffin.