ASI Pays Tribute to Rakhaldas Banerji and Madho Sarup Vats, Pioneers of Mohenjodaro Excavations:

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Saturday paid homage to Rakhaldas Banerji and Madho Sarup Vats, two trailblazers who revolutionized the understanding of India’s ancient history through their work on Mohenjodaro and Harappa.

In a tribute on X (formerly Twitter), ASI highlighted their remarkable contributions, especially in expanding the scope of Indian archaeology and reshaping perceptions of early Indian civilizations.

On their Birth Anniversaries, the Archaeological Survey of India pays tribute to two of the pioneers of Mohenjodaro excavations- Shri Rakhaldas Banerji (12th April 1885-23rd May 1930) and Shri Madho Sarup Vats (12th April 1896-7th December 1955).

A multifaceted scholar, Shri… pic.twitter.com/FrDeyG9yTJ
— Archaeological Survey of India (@ASIGoI) April 12, 2025

Rakhaldas Banerji: Uncovering Mohenjodaro, Redefining Indian History

Born on April 12, 1885, in Berhampore, West Bengal, Rakhaldas Banerji was a historian and archaeologist whose excavation of Mohenjodaro in 1922–23 laid the foundation for the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Key highlights of Banerji’s contributions:

First excavated Harappan seals and artifacts at Mohenjodaro

Identified links between Harappa and Mohenjodaro, pushing Indian history back by three millennia

Revealed the site’s urban layout, including the famous Great Bath, paved roads, and drainage systems

Published works like The Prehistoric Civilisation of Mohenjo-Daro (1924) and The Age of Buddha (1926)

His groundbreaking work challenged colonial narratives, proving that India's ancient civilization rivaled Mesopotamia and Egypt in sophistication and scale.

Madho Sarup Vats: Expanding the Harappan Horizon

Madho Sarup Vats played an equally vital role, first excavating Harappa and later joining efforts at Mohenjodaro. ASI acknowledged his insights into the daily life of Harappans and his role in identifying the civilization’s broader geographical spread.

Notable achievements include:

Excavation of Rangpur (Gujarat) and Kotla Nihang Khan (Punjab)

Demonstrated that the Indus Valley Civilization extended beyond river tributaries

A noted expert in epigraphy and early Indian architecture

Became Director-General of the ASI in 1950

Vats contributed significantly to understanding the diversity and expanse of Harappan society through both fieldwork and scholarship.

Legacy of Two Pioneers in Indian Archaeology

Together, Banerji and Vats not only uncovered India’s lost civilization but also redefined its historical timeline and cultural prestige. Their meticulous research and excavation techniques have left a lasting impact on Indian archaeology and continue to inspire generations of scholars.