Archaeological Findings in Vadnagar: Oldest Living City in India
For centuries, the period between the Indus Valley Civilization’s decline and the Iron Age’s rise remained shrouded in mystery, dubbed the “Dark Age” of India. However, a recent joint study by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Indian Institute of Technology-Kharagpur (IIT-KGP) has unearthed a radiant counterpoint to this narrative in the ancient city of Vadnagar, Gujarat.
This groundbreaking discovery, published in the esteemed journal “Quaternary Science Reviews,” throws light on a vibrant tapestry woven across millennia.
Archaeological findings indicate that in Vadnagar, human settlements started from 800 BCE onwards which is the early Iron Age or late Vedic period predating both Jainism and Buddhism.
The Vadnagar excavation stands apart, boasting an unparalleled, unbroken record spanning the early historic to medieval periods. Imagine a meticulously preserved timeline, etched not just in stone and pottery, but also in the whispers of gold, silver, and intricately crafted bangles unearthed from its depths.
Seven distinct cultural chapters grace Vadnagar’s pages: Mauryan, Indo-Greek, Indo-Scythian, Hindu-Solanki, Sultanate-Mughal, and Gaekwad-British. Each layer whispers tales of cultural exchange and religious harmony, evident in the unearthed remains of one of India’s oldest Buddhist monasteries.
The discovery of 28 different coin types spanning six distinct historical periods further cements Vadnagar’s reputation as a prosperous town. These coins, featuring a variety of motifs like Garuda, the trishul, three-arched hills, floral patterns, deer, and other animals, act as tangible evidence of its economic activity and trade throughout its long history. This diverse coinage collection, with examples from periods such as the Kshatrapa, Post-Kshatrapa, Sultanate-Mughal, and Gaekwad eras, paints a clear picture of a thriving settlement that interacted with various cultures and empires over time.
Hiuen Tsang, who visited India in the 7th century, mentioned the city in his writings. Hiuen Tsang described Vadnagar as a wealthy and bustling place, even though it lacked a single ruler and was part of a larger kingdom called Malava. This historical account further supports the evidence of Vadnagar’s significance and flourishing trade connections.
