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Relevance: Archaeology Paper 1 and 2
Archaeologists and environmental researchers have made a remarkable discovery in Mangar Bani, a sacred forest grove located near Mangar village on the Delhi-Haryana border. Nestled in the Aravalli hills, this forest is not only rich in biodiversity but also holds immense archaeological significance. The recent findings include a large variety of stone tools from the Lower Palaeolithic period, providing crucial insights into the lives of early humans.
Tracing the Life of Early Hunter-Gatherers
These tools, such as handaxes and cleavers, belong to the Acheulian culture, which existed between 200,000 to 500,000 years ago. So far, nearly 200 artefacts have been found, helping researchers understand the daily life and survival strategies of prehistoric hunter-gatherers.
The discoveries were made by a joint team from the Academy for Archaeological Heritage Research and Training (AAHRT) in Sanchi and the Centre for Ecology Development and Research (CEDAR) in Gurugram. Led by SB Ota, a respected archaeologist and former joint director general of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the team explored the caves and hillocks of the Mangar region, uncovering stone tools and cave paintings. These paintings are believed to be more recent than the tools and feature motifs inspired by animals and nature.
A Long Journey of Discovery
The roots of this discovery go back to 1991, when SB Ota was investigating prehistoric tools found in Delhi. He discovered that these artefacts likely originated from the Aravallis and were transported via Badarpur sand. This led him to explore Anangpur in Faridabad, another Palaeolithic site. In December 2023, Ota returned to the region to investigate a lead from forest analyst Chetan Agarwal. Their work around Damdama Lake and Mangar confirmed the presence of tools dating back to the Pleistocene epoch, which predates our current Holocene era.
Ota explained that early humans used the hardest materials available, primarily rocks, since metal tools had not been discovered yet. They might have also used bones and wood, but those are organic materials that likely decayed over time. The Aravallis, being relatively untouched and isolated, have preserved these artefacts better than regions like the Yamuna floodplains, where alluvium often buries ancient remains.
Significance and the Need for Conservation
The team’s work also highlights the urgent need to protect this archaeological and ecological treasure. Niharika Shrivastava, an archaeologist working on prehistoric sites in Bastar, emphasized the importance of methodical documentation and conservation. The discovery of decorated cave shelters shows that the region was once a thriving habitat for early humans who adapted to the local climate and environment.
Nandini Bhattacharya Sahu, joint director general of ASI, warned that activities like mining must stop immediately in these areas. She pointed out that Mangar, along with nearby sites like Anangpur, provides a unique window into the lives of early humans and holds immense archaeological value.
The Aravalli hills, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, even older than the Himalayas, have a rich history of human settlement. Archaeological evidence from this region includes Acheulean tools, Mesolithic artefacts, rock paintings, and Chalcolithic remains. Historical evidence such as petroglyphs, forts, and medieval settlements also dot the landscape.
Mangar Bani: A Sacred but Threatened Forest
Despite its ecological and historical importance, Mangar Bani has not been officially classified as a forest by the Haryana government. A 1996 Supreme Court judgment ruled that forests include all areas recorded as forest in government documents, regardless of ownership. However, the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, excludes unrecorded “deemed forests” from protection. This puts Mangar Bani at risk.
In 2023, reports revealed that real estate companies own large parts of Mangar and Mangar Bani. According to land records from 1963-64, this land was originally panchayat deh (community land) but was later mutated and sold privately. This raises serious concerns about the future of this unique ecological and archaeological site.
Conclusion
The discovery of prehistoric tools in Mangar Bani offers a rare glimpse into the early human past and highlights the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Aravallis. These findings are not just about stones and paintings; they tell the story of humanity’s evolution, adaptation, and creativity. Protecting Mangar is not just an environmental issue, but a cultural and scientific imperative. It is time for policymakers, archaeologists, and the public to come together to preserve this living museum of human history.