Banwali Mound

The Banwali Mound is one of the most important archaeological sites of Haryana. Lying 14 kms north-west of Fatehabad on the right bank of the Rangoi Nala it situates itself at 29º37"5' North latitude and 75º23"6' East longitude. what makes the site all the more important is that the ruins dating back to the Harappan age (2300 BC - 1800 BC) has been discovered here on top of the remains of pre-Harappan age (2800 BC - 2300 BC).

The ancient Banwali Mound, previously known as Vanawali, spreads over an area of one sq km. Typical pottery, use of copper, settlement pattern, art and architecture of the Pre-Harappan age has opened new avenues for the study of past in Banwali mound. Personal embellishments, beads of gold, semi-precious stones, terracotta, bangles of clay and shell have been discovered here dating back to the period.

The excavations in Banwali mound revealed two well-planned urban fortified towns separated by a thick wall of the Harappan age. The archaeologists are of the view that the walls divided the affluent dwellers of the city from the common people. The towns were built in chess-board pattern to defend the west wind and the severe monsoon. Mud-brick houses with proper toilets, kitchen and well-layed rooms reveal a high level of planning. Several sophisticated utensils and other artifacts have been excavated bringing forth the socio-economic condition and the artistic bent of the age. The extensive knowledge of metallurgy and the precision and superb craftsmanship of the Harappan artists are notable in this respect.