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BURZAHOM
India’s Neolithic Stonehenge
The Neolithic site of Burzahom in the Srinagar district (Kashmir Valley) is situated over a Pleistocene lakebed 1800 m above sea level. This site very clearly shows the transient stages in human inhabitancy from the Neolithic period to the Megalithic period to the Early Historic period. Burzahom is testimony to the development of agriculture, architecture, ritualistic practices, and technology from 3000 BCE to 1000 BCE.
Burzahom Archaeological site
Although excavations at Burzahom began in the 1930s, ultimately, it was the extensive excavations undertaken by T N Khazanchi and his associates, on behalf of the Archaeological Survey of India, from 1960 to 1971, that revealed a fourfold sequence of cultures, where Periods I and II are Neolithic; Period III, Megalithic; and Period IV, the early Historical era.
Periods I and II of the Neolithic era show the beginnings of residential architecture in the form of pit dwellings. Oval or circular pits, narrow at the top, broad at the base, with (wooden) post holes at the (ground level) to support superstructures, have been found during excavations. At the ground level, there is also evidence of stone hearths, which is an indication of the living activities that took place. These pit dwellings were filled and transformed into surface-level structures in the second phase with traces of primitive cultivation and spaces for storage of harvested crops like wheat, barley, and lentils. The second phase has also yielded some copper arrowheads, which point toward the development of metallurgy. A stone slab bearing engravings of elaborate hunting scenes indicates the existence of artwork.
Period II also gives the earliest evidence of pit burials, dug either within the residential complex, or in the precincts. These oval-shaped pits were plastered with lime, and the bodies were placed in them with red ochre applied on the bones. Some burials also had evidence of animal skeletal remains. In some cases, trepanning of human skulls has been observed. They are perforations made on the cranium to either release blood pressure after an injury or treat intracranial diseases. One of the most interesting burials excavated was of the remains of five wild dogs and an antler’s horn.
The Neolithic period was followed by the Megalithic phase, which shows the beginnings of monumental symbolism in the form of massive stones or menhirs. These were erected by manually transporting monolithic stone slabs and posting them around the area of habitation. The Megalithic period is also known for its advanced craftsmanship. Hard, red-ware pottery, copper objects, and tools made of bone and stone have been found in abundance from this level. Rubble structures associated with the Megalithic men were found, indicative of the gradual development of architecture in this period.
The last phase of activity at Burzahom relates to the early historical period (3rd-4th CE), Mud brick structures, pottery manufactured in a wheel, and a few metal objects have been found. Burzahom has a unique identity due to distinct behavioural patterns. Its detailed evolutionary sequence is a perfect example for understanding the transformation of Neolithic cultures into Megalithism. The entire site is in its original form and is still set in a landscape that is reminiscent of the natural setting of the Neolithic era. The excavated levels have been preserved in situ and are protected and managed by the Archaeological Survey of India and other regulatory authorities. Burzahom is also on the Tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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