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Chirand

Chirand is an archaeological site in the Saran district of Bihar, India, situated on the left bank of the Ganga River, renowned for its multi-layered evidence of human occupation spanning over 4,000 years from the Neolithic period (c. 2400 BCE) to the medieval era.^[1]^[2] The site, first identified through surface surveys in the late 19th century, reveals a cultural sequence that includes early agricultural practices, advanced tool-making, and interactions with broader regional networks, making it a pivotal location for understanding the indigenous evolution of eastern India's prehistoric and historical societies.^[1]^[3] Excavations at Chirand, notably conducted between 1962 and 1973 and resumed in 2019, have uncovered five primary cultural periods: Neolithic, Chalcolithic (c. 1300–900 BCE), Northern Black Polished Ware (c. 800–200 BCE), Kushana (c. 200 BCE–300 CE), and medieval (c. 700–1200 CE), with recent findings adding a Gupta period (c. 300–600 CE) layer previously undocumented.^[2]^[1] In the Neolithic phase, artifacts such as circular reed houses, bone tools including arrowheads and harpoons, and evidence of domesticated crops like rice, wheat, barley, and lentils highlight the site's role as one of the earliest centers of farming in the region, often described by archaeologist F.R. Allchin as the "rising sun" of India's Neolithic culture.^[1]^[3] Subsequent periods demonstrate technological and social advancements, with Chalcolithic layers yielding copper tools, red-slipped pottery, and secondary burial practices, while the Iron Age introduced Northern Black Polished Ware ceramics, iron implements like sickles and axes, and baked brick structures indicative of emerging urbanization.^[2]^[3] The Kushana era is marked by residential complexes, monastic buildings, a hoard of 88 copper coins, and terracotta figurines such as a torso of the goddess Hariti, underscoring trade links and cultural exchanges.^[1]^[3] Later discoveries include a Gupta terracotta seal inscribed in Brahmi script and medieval gold coins from the Kalachuri ruler Gangeyadeva (c. 1045 CE), illustrating continuity despite periods of abandonment likely due to Ganga River erosion.^[2]^[1] Today, Chirand faces ongoing threats from river erosion, which has already damaged parts of the mound, emphasizing the urgency of preservation efforts to protect this testament to Bihar's ancient heritage.^[1]

Geography

Location

Chirand is an archaeological site situated on the northern bank of the Ganga River in the Saran district of Bihar, India (25°45′N 84°45′E), approximately 11-14 km east of Chhapra, the district headquarters. The site lies near the confluence of the Ganga and Ghaghara rivers, within the broader Middle Ganga Plain, positioning it at a strategic juncture of ancient river systems.^[4]^[5] The topography features a prehistoric mound, or tell, rising from the surrounding fertile Gangetic plains, which are composed of rich alluvial soils deposited by the Ganga and its tributaries, making the area suitable for early agricultural practices. This mound, now partially eroded due to ongoing river action and flooding, spans a landscape that has long supported human settlement through its nutrient-rich terrain.^[6]^[7] In terms of accessibility, Chirand is proximate to National Highway 19, enabling straightforward modern travel from nearby urban centers. Historically, its riverside location facilitated integration into regional trade routes, linking it to key sites such as Vaishali and supporting exchange across northern Bihar via fluvial pathways.^[8]^[9] The site is managed under the Archaeological Survey of India, with additional state-level safeguards implemented since the mid-20th century to mitigate erosion threats.^[10]

Climate

Chirand, situated in Saran district of north Bihar, experiences a tropical monsoon climate classified as Aw under the Köppen system, marked by distinct seasonal patterns influenced by the southwest monsoon. The region receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 1,050 mm, with about 88%—or roughly 922 mm—concentrated during the monsoon season from June to September, leading to high humidity levels often exceeding 80% and peak summer temperatures up to 38–40°C. This precipitation pattern supports lush vegetation and fertile alluvial soils but also contributes to environmental challenges for nearby archaeological sites.^[11]^[12] Seasonal variations are pronounced, with hot summers from March to May featuring average maximum temperatures of 38.4°C and minimums around 25.5°C, transitioning into the wet monsoon period characterized by frequent thunderstorms and overcast skies. Winters from November to February are relatively mild, with average highs of 22.9°C and lows dipping to about 10.5°C, occasionally lower during cold waves. These dynamics align with broader north Bihar trends, where pre-monsoon and post-monsoon rainfall remains minimal at 42 mm and 59 mm, respectively.^[11] Frequent Ganga River flooding, driven by intense monsoon downpours, enriches the surrounding floodplains with nutrient-rich silt, enhancing soil fertility for agriculture, but it simultaneously accelerates riverbank erosion at the Chirand mound. Early excavations in the 1960s documented this ongoing threat, with portions of the site exposed due to river undercutting.^[13]

History

Prehistoric Era

The Neolithic period at Chirand, dating from circa 2500 to 1345 BCE, represents the earliest evidence of a settled farming community in eastern India, marking a pivotal shift toward organized agriculture in the region.^[1] Excavations reveal a 3.5-meter-thick deposit containing remnants of this phase, indicating sustained occupation over centuries.^[14] Residents cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, rice, and lentils, supported by the site's location on fertile alluvial plains of the Ganga River, which facilitated early agrarian practices.^[1] Animal domestication was also well-established, with evidence of managed livestock integrating into the food production system, signifying a transition from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to a more sedentary, agrarian society.^[15] Settlement patterns during this era featured permanent villages characterized by pit dwellings and circular structures made from wild reeds, with floors approximately 4 meters in diameter, central hearths, and post-holes for support.^[1] These arrangements reflect adaptive use of local resources and a communal organization suited to the flood-prone environment.^[16] The early Neolithic cultural phase is distinguished by the use of polished stone tools, including axes and celts crafted from materials like quartzite and basalt, which enhanced efficiency in farming and daily tasks. Chirand's Neolithic culture holds significant importance as one of the "rising suns" of India's early farming traditions, as described by archaeologist F.R. Allchin, due to its indigenous development predating broader Indus Valley influences in the eastern Gangetic plains. This site exemplifies the localized evolution of Neolithic technologies and social structures, providing a foundational chronological layer for understanding prehistoric human adaptation in the area.^[1]

Ancient and Medieval Periods

The Chalcolithic period at Chirand, dated approximately 1300–900 BCE, represents a transitional phase marked by the introduction of copper tools alongside continued use of stone and bone implements, signifying technological advancement in the region's material culture.^[2] This era is evidenced by a substantial deposit layer measuring about 5.5 meters in thickness, indicating prolonged settlement and continuous occupation.^[17] Archaeological layers from this time reveal secondary burial practices, suggesting evolving social and ritual customs among the inhabitants.^[18] Transitioning into the Iron Age, roughly 600 BCE to 300 CE, Chirand exhibited further cultural continuity with a deposit thickness of approximately 2.45 meters, featuring the widespread adoption of iron tools that enhanced agricultural and daily activities.^[17] This period aligns with the Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) culture, associated with early urbanization and trade networks, and includes evidence of iron objects such as sickles and axes.^[18] Artifacts from the Kushana dynasty (1st–3rd century CE), including baked bricks used in residential and monastic structures, underscore the site's integration into broader imperial influences during this phase.^[2] Burial practices persisted, reflecting stable community structures amid these metallurgical shifts.^[18] Excavations have also identified a Gupta period layer dating to c. 300–600 CE, featuring red ware pottery (slipped, untreated, and mud-appliqué varieties), terracotta human and animal figurines, glass and iron objects, and a terracotta seal inscribed in Brahmi script, indicating ongoing settlement and cultural continuity between the Kushana and medieval eras.^[2] In the medieval era, Chirand fell under the control of the Pala dynasty (8th–12th century CE), which governed the surrounding Bengal-Bihar region and left traces of sculptures and cultural artifacts at the site.^[19] The Chero dynasty exerted influence in the area during later medieval times, with local rulers like King Mayurdhwaj basing their authority from Chirand, highlighting its role as a regional power center.^[20] The construction of a mosque atop the mound in 1503 CE by Sultan Abul Muzaffar Hussain Shah of Bengal marks the arrival of Islamic architectural and cultural elements, incorporating ruins of earlier Hindu temple pilasters.^[21] Positioned on the northern bank of the Ganga River, Chirand was part of the broader Magadha empire's sphere of influence, benefiting from the river's role as a vital trade corridor that facilitated economic exchanges across the eastern Ganges plain.^[22] This strategic location supported the site's sustained habitation from prehistoric foundations into documented historical periods.^[2]

Modern Developments

During the colonial era in the 19th century, British surveys first documented the Chirand mound as a significant archaeological feature. In 1877, W.W. Hunter noted the site in his statistical accounts of Bihar, describing its elevated terrain and potential historical remains. Similarly, A.C.L. Carlleyle, an officer of the Archaeological Survey of India, conducted a tour in 1885 and reported surface findings including medieval structures and Buddhist sculptures, marking the initial antiquarian interest in the area.^[2] Post-independence, systematic excavations intensified under Indian auspices. The Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Bihar, led major digs at the site from 1961 to 1971 under B.S. Verma, revealing stratified layers from Neolithic to early historic periods, including white-painted black-and-red ware, microliths, iron tools, and structural remains like burnt brick monasteries.^[23]^[2] Further work in 1982-83 by Patna University expanded on these findings, while a 2019 excavation by Deccan College in collaboration with the Bihar government identified a previously undocumented Gupta period (c. 300-600 CE) layer, bridging gaps in the site's chronology and highlighting ongoing stratigraphic complexities.^[2] In recent decades, preservation efforts have addressed escalating threats from natural and human factors. The site's proximity to the Ganga River has led to severe erosion, with flood deposits noted in lower layers and portions of the mound lost annually; the Bihar government has deployed gunny bags and embankments as interim measures since the early 2000s.^[2]^[7] Post-2011 urbanization pressures, including agricultural expansion and infrastructure development, have compounded these risks, prompting initiatives like the 2025 heritage conservation lecture series organized by the Bihar government to raise awareness and plan protections.^[24] By mid-2025, Chirand's integration into Bihar's state tourism framework aims to promote it as a key prehistoric destination, balancing conservation with economic opportunities amid regional challenges.^[24] Socio-politically, the region around Chirand has transitioned from a predominantly agrarian economy to a mixed one, influenced by post-colonial land reforms and modernization. The 2008 Kosi floods, which devastated northern Bihar including parts of Saran district through shifted river courses and sedimentation, disrupted local agriculture and accelerated migration, prompting government rehabilitation programs that diversified livelihoods toward non-farm activities.^[25]^[26]

Archaeological Discoveries

Excavations

Archaeological interest in Chirand dates back to the late 19th century, when British surveyors and local scholars conducted initial explorations. W.W. Hunter documented the site in 1877, followed by A.C.L. Carlleyle's survey in 1885, J. Hoey's examination in 1901, P.C. Dey's study in 1904, and A.S. Altekar's assessment in 1954, which highlighted the mound's potential for prehistoric remains.^[2] Systematic excavations commenced in 1962-63 under the leadership of Professor B.P. Sinha of Patna University, in collaboration with the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Bihar, revealing stratified deposits including Neolithic layers.^[27] The work continued through 1968-69 with Sinha providing general supervision and Dr. B.S. Verma directing the fieldwork, assisted by N. Akhtar, using two 10m x 10m trenches to trace cultural sequences.^[28] Further campaigns occurred in 1970-71, led by Verma, focusing on stratigraphic continuity from prior seasons.^[29] In 2019, Deccan College Post Graduate and Research Institute, in partnership with the Department of Archaeology, Government of Bihar, resumed excavations under Prabodh Shirvalkar, employing stratigraphic trenching in eight 10m x 10m units to expose previously undocumented layers and recover new pottery samples.^[2] Excavation methods primarily involved stratigraphic trenching to delineate occupational phases, uncovering three main cultural layers: a Neolithic deposit approximately 3.5 meters thick at the base, overlaid by a Chalcolithic layer of about 5.5 meters, and an upper Iron Age stratum measuring roughly 2.45 meters, with a cumulative excavated area of around 1,000 square meters across campaigns.^[27]^[28]^[2] The site's proximity to the Ganga River has posed significant challenges, with erosion damaging sections of the mound since the 1960s and limiting accessible areas during digs.^[3] Pre-1960s documentation remains incomplete, with early reports often relying on surface surveys and requiring updates based on modern stratigraphic data.^[2]

Neolithic Artifacts

The Neolithic artifacts from Chirand, dating to approximately 2500–1345 BCE, reveal a community transitioning to settled agriculture with innovative use of local materials for daily tools and structures. Pottery from this period primarily consists of handmade red ware featuring cord impressions, created from coarse clay sourced locally, which indicates early experimentation in surface decoration and texture for functional vessels like bowls and storage jars. These ceramics were fired at relatively low temperatures of 600–800°C in open hearths, as evidenced by their porous structure and uneven oxidation, marking an advancement in heat control over preceding Mesolithic traditions.^[30]^[31]^[32] Stone tools dominate the lithic assemblage, showcasing polished celts made from durable materials like quartzite, basalt, and granite, alongside microliths crafted from local chert, chalcedony, agate, and jasper. Celts, often rectangular or ovate in shape with ground edges, served as axes for clearing vegetation and tilling soil, supporting the onset of farming, while microliths such as parallel-sided blades, scrapers, and arrowheads were hafted for hunting small game and processing hides. These implements highlight a shift from flaked to ground stone technology, with over 100 examples recovered from stratified deposits, underscoring their ubiquity in Neolithic life at the site.^[33]^[34]^[35] Evidence of housing points to circular pit dwellings, approximately 2–3 meters in diameter, dug into the alluvial soil with surrounding post holes indicating raised structures supported by wooden frames. Post-holes associated with up to 20 circular huts suggest repeated reconstructions, likely topped with thatched roofs made from reeds and grass, providing shelter in the flood-prone Ganga plain environment. Hearths and storage pits within these dwellings further imply organized domestic spaces for cooking and food preservation.^[36]^[37]^[1] Agricultural remains from the lowest Neolithic layers include carbonized grains of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and rice (Oryza sativa), alongside barley and lentils, representing the earliest direct evidence of crop cultivation in Bihar. These finds, recovered from hearths and refuse pits, indicate domesticated varieties adapted to the region's monsoon climate, with wheat suggesting winter sowing and rice summer flooding techniques, marking Chirand as a key site for the spread of farming in the eastern Ganga plain.^[38]^[39]^[5]

Chalcolithic and Iron Age Finds

The Chalcolithic period at Chirand, spanning approximately 1300–900 BCE based on radiocarbon dating and associations with Black and Red Ware ceramics, represents a transitional phase marked by the initial use of metal alongside persisting stone and bone technologies. Excavations revealed corroded copper fragments, including flat axes and possible arrowheads, indicating early metallurgical experimentation in tool production. These finds were recovered from layers 11–12, situated about 3 meters below the overlying flood deposits, highlighting a gradual shift from Neolithic stone-based economies.^[2]^[1] In the subsequent Iron Age layers (periods II–III, circa 900 BCE–300 CE), iron artifacts became prominent, with tools such as sickles, axes, arrowheads, and blades evidencing advanced agricultural and hunting practices. These iron implements, found in layers 5–9 alongside Northern Black Polished Ware, suggest improved farming efficiency and technological evolution from Chalcolithic precursors. A notable hoard of 88 Kushana copper coins, dated to the 1st–3rd century CE, was discovered, pointing to economic integration with broader imperial networks. Additionally, terracotta seals bearing early Brahmi inscriptions from the Kushana period were unearthed, providing epigraphic evidence of administrative or trade activities. Recent 2019 excavations also revealed a Gupta period (c. 300–600 CE) layer with a terracotta seal inscribed in Brahmi script mentioning Vishnu.^[1]^[18]^[2] Burial practices during these periods included secondary burials with pots containing human remains, often fragmentary bones suggestive of cremation rites, as evidenced by grave pits with associated pottery deposits. Trade indicators are apparent in the presence of imported semi-precious stone beads, including carnelian and chalcedony varieties likely sourced from Gujarat workshops, alongside glass and shell examples, underscoring Chirand's connections to regional exchange networks from circa 1300 BCE onward.^[1]^[40]

Bone Tools and Crafts

At the Neolithic site of Chirand, bone and antler tools represent a significant aspect of the material culture, with over 150 specimens recovered from stratified contexts, primarily dating to the period between 2500 and 1600 BCE.^[33] These tools were crafted from long bones of deer and cattle, as well as antler, demonstrating advanced manufacturing techniques such as percussion flaking, grooving, grinding, and polishing to enhance durability.^[33] Common types include harpoons, needles, tanged and socketed arrowheads, points, awls, scrapers, chisels, and spearheads, which were likely used for hunting, sewing, and processing hides.^[35]^[33] The predominance of these implements in Neolithic layers underscores a specialized bone-working tradition, with evidence suggesting large-scale production possibly linked to dedicated community activities.^[30] Bone crafts extended beyond utilitarian tools to include ornaments and personal items, such as antler combs, pendants, bangles, earrings, and discs, which highlight aesthetic and functional craftsmanship.^[41] These items, often made from antler, ivory, or tortoise shell, were polished and shaped through whittling and rubbing with hides, indicating skilled labor and access to diverse raw materials.^[33]^[35] The presence of manufacturing debris alongside finished products points to on-site workshops where artisans processed local faunal resources into these objects.^[30] Faunal remains at Chirand provide critical context for tool and craft production, with analysis of numerous bone fragments revealing a mix of domesticated and wild species exploited by Neolithic inhabitants.^[42] Domesticated animals, including zebu cattle (Bos indicus), Indian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), sheep (Ovis aries), and pigs (Sus scrofa), formed the bulk of the assemblage, supplying bones for tools and evidence of early herding practices integrated with agriculture.^[42] Wild species such as spotted deer (Axis axis), swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli), Indian elephant (Elephas maximus), and one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) indicate supplementary hunting in a once-moist, swampy environment, with their remains contributing to the raw material pool for crafts.^[42] Housing-related crafts are inferred from archaeological features and impressions, reflecting organic construction techniques complementary to bone work. Post-holes associated with up to 20 circular huts suggest the use of wooden posts to support wattle-and-daub structures, while reed and bamboo impressions on pottery sherds attest to matting for walls and flooring.^[35]^[43] These elements, combined with rammed earth floors and hearths, illustrate a settled lifestyle where bone tools likely aided in processing wood and reeds for such builds.^[34]

Modern Village

Demography

As per the 2011 Census of India, the village of Chirand had a total population of 2,971, comprising 1,600 males and 1,371 females, resulting in a sex ratio of 857 females per 1,000 males.^[44] (Data as per 2011 census; India's next census was delayed and is ongoing as of 2025, with no updated village-level figures available.) The literacy rate in Chirand stood at 61% in 2011, slightly below the state average, with male literacy at 70% and female literacy at 51%.^[44] A gender disparity persists, consistent with rural Bihar trends. Chirand's social structure is predominantly Hindu, accounting for about 95% of the population, alongside a small Muslim minority of around 5%; key castes include Yadavs and Brahmins, consistent with patterns in Saran district.^[45] The village comprises approximately 520 households, with an average size of 5.7 persons, influenced by ongoing migration trends where many residents move to nearby urban Chhapra for better opportunities.^[46]^[47] This demographic profile maintains continuity with the area's historical settlement patterns as outlined in modern developments.

Economy

The economy of Chirand village is primarily driven by agriculture, which dominates the primary sector due to the region's fertile alluvial soils deposited by the Ganga River. Key crops include rice and wheat, cultivated extensively on these nutrient-rich plains, alongside sugarcane, potatoes, and maize in surrounding areas of Saran district.^[48] A majority of the local workforce engages in these agricultural activities, reflecting the district's reliance on farming as the main source of livelihood.^[49] Fishing in the Ganga River supplements agricultural income, particularly for communities along the riverbanks, contributing to the primary sector's role in sustaining rural households. The combined primary activities of agriculture, livestock, and fisheries form the foundational strength of Saran district's economy.^[49] Secondary activities remain limited but include small-scale handicrafts, such as the revival of traditional terracotta pottery by local artisans in areas like Jaitipur within Saran district. This craft, rooted in Bihar's ancient pottery traditions, supports supplemental income through local sales and emerging cultural markets.^[50] Tourism linked to the archaeological site has seen modest growth since 2020, attracting visitors interested in Neolithic history and boosting minor economic opportunities through guided visits and related services.^[1] The local economy faces significant challenges from Ganga River bank erosion, which has degraded farmland and reduced cultivable area in Saran district, exacerbating vulnerabilities for agricultural productivity. Remittances from migrant laborers, many of whom work in urban centers like Delhi and Mumbai, constitute approximately 50% of household income in affected rural Bihar families, providing a critical buffer against these issues.^[51] Infrastructure supporting the economy includes weekly local markets, such as Gaura Bazaar and Gudari Market in Saran, where farmers and fishers sell produce and handicrafts. Government schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) offer seasonal employment opportunities, generating assets like water conservation structures and aiding rural income stability in the district.^[52]

Cultural Celebrations

Annual Fairs

The annual fair in Chirand, known as the Chyavana-asrama Mela, is a traditional community gathering held on the last day of the Kartik month (October–November) at a location called Chyavana-asrama near the archaeological site. This event plays a vital role in modern village life by fostering social bonds and celebrating local heritage, drawing residents and visitors to honor ancient traditions associated with the site's legendary history.^[53] Rooted in medieval and pre-medieval rituals linked to the Pala dynasty and local folklore about figures like King Mayuradhvaja, the fair was documented as early as the late 19th century.^[53] The fair's significance extends to briefly boosting the local economy through sales of crafts and food, while educational exhibits on Neolithic tools and settlements provide conceptual insights into Chirand's ancient past, reinforcing its draw as an archaeological landmark without delving into religious festivals.

Festivals

Chhath Puja, observed in October or November, is one of the most prominent festivals in Chirand, reflecting the village's proximity to the Ganga River. Devotees, primarily women, undertake a rigorous 36-hour fast and perform rituals at the riverbank, offering prayers to the rising and setting sun while presenting thekua sweets and fruits in bamboo baskets. These ceremonies emphasize purity and gratitude for the harvest, drawing large community gatherings along the Ganga ghats.^[54] Diwali, the festival of lights celebrated in October or November, brings vibrancy to Chirand through the illumination of homes with diyas and colorful rangoli patterns, accompanied by community feasts featuring traditional Bihari sweets like tikki and sharing of firecrackers in moderation. Families exchange gifts and perform Lakshmi Puja to invoke prosperity, fostering a sense of renewal amid the post-monsoon season.^[55] Local variations in Chirand incorporate elements of harvest thanksgiving, echoing the ancient Neolithic agrarian practices unearthed at the site, where early rice cultivation dates back to around 2500 BCE. Residents blend these observances with folk songs and dances that honor the soil's bounty, maintaining continuity with the region's prehistoric farming heritage.^[1]^[56] In 2025, celebrations in Bihar have increasingly adopted eco-friendly practices, such as using biodegradable bamboo offerings and avoiding plastic in rituals, driven by growing climate awareness to preserve the Ganga's sanctity.^[57] These festivals play a vital role in strengthening social bonds in Chirand, uniting diverse families in shared rituals that reinforce historical ties to the area's ancient agrarian cycles and promote communal harmony.

Proposed Theme Park

In the 2010s, the Bihar government approved plans for a thematic park at the Chirand archaeological site in Saran district to promote cultural tourism and highlight the area's ancient history. The initiative focuses on depicting the rise and fall of civilizations, particularly the Neolithic period in the Gangetic plains, through educational exhibits.^[58] Land acquisition for the project was completed, and funds were sanctioned by the state, paving the way for construction as early as 2014. The park is envisioned to feature displays inspired by key findings, such as bone tools and other artifacts representative of the site's 4,000-year timeline, drawing from items preserved in institutions like the Patna Museum. This development aligns with broader efforts to enhance site accessibility and visitor engagement without disturbing original excavations.^[58]^[1] Subsequent tenders in 2018 for the development and conservation of the Chirand site indicate ongoing momentum for such tourism-oriented infrastructure. By 2019, the government launched formal conservation processes for key archaeological locations, including Chirand, to support sustainable enhancements like the proposed park.^[59]^[60] The proposal has not been without challenges, including early local objections to related excavation activities, which were addressed through community consultations. More pressing concerns involve the site's exposure to Ganga River erosion, with heritage advocates warning in 2021 that increased tourism could accelerate degradation. As of 2025, the theme park remains in the planning stage, with conservation efforts continuing through initiatives such as a June 2025 lecture series on heritage preservation focused on Chirand.^[58]^[7]^[24]

References

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Below is a merged response summarizing the information from all provided segments about the Chirand excavations (1962-63) and related archaeological contexts. To retain all details in a dense and organized manner, I will use a table in CSV format where applicable, followed by a narrative summary that integrates the findings. Since the system has a "no thinking token allowed" constraint, I will directly compile and present the information as extracted and organized from the segments without additional interpretation or synthesis beyond what is explicitly stated.
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[PDF] Indian Archaeology A Review 1968-69
1 The Archaeological Survey of India is referred to in the following pages as the 'Survey'. Page 10. INDIAN ARCHAEOLOGY 1968-69—A REVIEW. Abdul Waheed Khan, ...
[30]
Indian Archaeology 1970-71 PDF - Scribd
the Mauryan city of Pataliputra. 11. EXCAVATION AT CHIRAND, DISTRICT SARAN.—In continuation of the previous year's work (1969-70, p. 3), Dr. B. S. Verma of ...Missing: Chauley | Show results with:Chauley
[31]
Ganges Neolithic - Summary - eHRAF Archaeology
Sites like Chechar, Chirand, and Maner are close to the Ganges; and Koldihwa, Mahagara, and Tonkwa in the Belan valley were generally large and associated with ...Missing: precise | Show results with:precise
[32]
2013. Cord-impressed pottery in Neolithic-Chalcolithic context of ...
The cord-impressed ware of Koldihawa Pal is made of semi lavigated clay and is not fired at high temperature. The surface colour is mat or dull red and the ...
[33]
The firing temperatures of burnt clay from the Chinese neolithic ...
Based on magnetic analysis, the ancient firing temperature was determined to be approximately 620 °C, which is comparable with other records from Eurasian ...
[34]
https://ijsrst.com/paper/6870.pdf
[35]
[PDF] Neolithic Settlement Patterns of the Middle Ganga Plain
Feb 15, 2010 · The total thickness of cultural deposit at the site is about 16.5 metre divisible into 63 layers. The entire deposit is divisible into six ...<|separator|>
[36]
[PDF] Neolithic Cultures of India:
Cord-impressed pottery making tradition is one of the important aspects of the eastern Indian Neolithic culture. This pottery is handmade from coarse clay and ...
[37]
[PDF] North Asian International Research Journal Consortium - nairjc
Feb 2, 2016 · Storage pits, hearths and number of post holes were also seen around these pits. Post holes suggest that roofs were erected over these pits.
[38]
History of Neolithic Age | History
Around one pit as many as 45 post-holes have been found showing the number of times the thatched roof may have been destroyed and re-erected. The radio ...
[39]
History and Ethnobotany of wheat in India - Persée
T. aestivum having undergone spontaneous mutation reached Chirand after being selected, preferred and cultivated for generations by early farmers. The mutated ...
[40]
(PDF) Neolithic−Early historic (2500–200 BC) plant use
Aug 6, 2025 · The principal cultivated cereals were Oryza sativa, Hordeum vulgare, Triticum aestivum ... U.P.. Senuwar,. Rohtas, Bihar. Chirand,. Saran,. Bihar.
[41]
Prehistoric Genius Biharis of Chirand (2400 BCE - 500 ... - Facebook
Feb 17, 2018 · The earliest period, of the Hakra Ware culture, consisted of sub-terranean circular pit dwellings cut into the natural soil. These pit dwelling ...<|separator|>
[42]
Late Quaternary human-environment relationship in the Ganga ...
Jan 20, 2024 · The excavation at site Chirand by Archaeological ... Defining paleoclimatic routes and opportunities for hominin dispersals across Iran.Missing: threats | Show results with:threats
[43]
[PDF] ANIMAL REMAINS FROM CHIRAND, SARAN DISTRICT (BIHAR)
The remains of the great Indian one- horned rhinoceros and the Indian elephant are noteworthy since these animals are no longer found in that area, and ...
[44]
Neolithic Sites in India - UPSC Notes - LotusArise
Jul 2, 2025 · Settlement-Around 2700BC. People lived in mud plastered circular and oval pits with steps and ladders to get inside large pits, but in later ...
[45]
Chirand Village Population - Chapra - Saran, Bihar
The Chirand village has population of 2971 of which 1600 are males while 1371 are females as per Population Census 2011. In Chirand village population of ...Missing: 2021 | Show results with:2021
[46]
2021 - 2025, Bihar literacy ... - Saran District Population Census 2011
Population Census of Saran District in 2011 is 3951862. Literacy rate of Saran is 65.96 percent. Sex Ratio for Saran district is 954 per 1000 male.
[47]
PCA: Primary Census Abstract C.D. Block wise, Bihar - District Saran
Apr 20, 2022 · PCA: Primary Census Abstract C.D. Block wise, Bihar - District Saran - 2011 ... VILLAGE. Bihar - Saran Singahi, 10 219 0237 232882, VILLAGE. Bihar ...
[48]
Saran District Population, Caste, Religion Data (Bihar) - Census 2011
Caste-wise Population - Saran district Schedule Caste (SC) constitutes 12% while Schedule Tribe (ST) were 0.9% of total population in Saran district of Bihar.Missing: Chirand | Show results with:Chirand
[49]
Chirand Village in Chapra (Saran) Bihar | villageinfo.in
As per the 2011 Census, the population of Chirand is 2,971, with 1,600 males and 1,371 females. How many households are there in Chirand as per the 2011 Census?
[50]
Rural-urban migration in Bihar | International Growth Centre
We found that migrants from Bihar are taking up less agricultural work than in the past, and are increasingly moving to work in construction instead.
[51]
Economy - Saran
Oct 31, 2025 · 1. Agriculture is the main activity of Saran district. Agricultural products include paddy, wheat, sugar cane, potato and maize. 2. The soil of ...
[52]
[PDF] economic status of rural-urban population in saran district - IJRAR.org
Thus, the basic strength of district's economy in its present status, revolves around the primary sector-agriculture, livestock and fisheries . Table No.1.1.
[53]
Traditional Handmade Terracotta Pottery in Jaitipur, Saran, Bihar
Rating 3.5 (74,264) Discover unique handmade terracotta pottery from Jaitipur, Saran, Bihar, perfect for home decor and gifting. Explore various styles, artisans, ...Missing: district | Show results with:district
[54]
https://tourism.bihar.gov.in/en/experiences/festivals-and-fairs/festivals/chhath-puja
[55]
Markets in Saran near me - Justdial
Rating 4.0 (15,691) Markets in Saran · Gaura Bazaar · Nayagaon Market · Gudari Market Chapra · Panapur Bazaar · Khodaibag Market · Bazaar Samiti Vegetable And Fruit Market Chhapra · Kamta ...
[56]
https://www.jpsonline.co.in/index.php/jop/article/view/1463
[57]
Chhath Puja - Bihar Tourism
Chhath Puja is a four-day long strict and spiritual observance. The first day of the Chhath Puja includes taking a dip in the holy river/any water body.
[58]
Diwali in Bihar - Diwalifestival.org
Diwali in Bihar ; Second Day: Choti Diwali ; Third Day: Laxmi Pujan ; Fourth Day: Goverdhan puja ; Fifth Day: Bhai Dooj, Godhan, Chitragupt puja (Dawat puja).<|separator|>
[59]
https://bsbccl.bihar.gov.in/New_V/Tender.aspx?Tender=Tender.aspx
[60]
Chhath Puja 2025 Guide - Important Do's And Don'ts You Should ...
Oct 24, 2025 · Dos for Chhath Puja 2025: · 1. Maintain Cleanliness and Purity: · 2. Follow the Rituals of Each Day Properly: · 3. Use Natural and Eco-Friendly ...<|separator|>
[61]
Decks cleared for thematic park at Chirand | Patna News
Feb 17, 2014 · Decks have been cleared for construction of thematic park showing rise and fall of different civilizations at Chirand in Saran district.Missing: proposal | Show results with:proposal
[62]
All Tender - Bihar State Building Construction Corporation Limited
(ii) Devlopment and Conservation of "Chirand" Archeological Site.NIT No.-81/2018-19 ... Theme Park,Upgradation of Museum and its Infrastructure in Different ...
[63]
Bihar government starts process to conserve key archaeological sites
Dec 2, 2019 · The government will soon initiate conservation works at several important archaeological sites in the state, including Lal Pahari in ...