Archaeological Sites in Sirsa

Sirsa is one of the oldest places in North India. Located in the state of Haryana, Sirsa is also mentioned in Mahabharata as Sairishaka and also in Panini's Ashatadhayayi and Divyavadan. Sirsa was a flourishing city in the 5th century. Sirsa and its surrounding places in Ghaggar valley are rich in history and culture. There are also many religious places in the city that are popular tourist attractions.

Archeological Sites in Sirsa

The archeological Survey of India is constantly discovering something new in their excavations in Sirsa. The first surveyed excavation in the Ghaggar valley in Sirsa was conducted by the Archeological Survey of India in 1967-68. During that survey, the ASI found 54 sites that had evidence of early habitation. The findings included painted potted ware like bowls and dishes that had various designs and colors like grey, black and red those were believed to be belonging to the Rang Mahal Culture. No evidence of Harappan civilization was ever found in the excavation sites. Other findings also included stone slabs with Dowel marks. Some of the most important and popular mounds of Sirsa are

Arnian wali

This excavation site falls on the Sirsa - Bhadra road, which is around 8 Km to the south of Sirsa. This site is spread across 4 acres of land and stands at a height of 10 feet. The site has pottery remains that belong to the ancient and the medieval periods.

Sikandarpur

Located on the Sirsa - Fatehabad road, around 12 Km towards the east of Sirsa are two mounds that lie one kilo meter apart from each other. The mounds are at a height of 30 feet. The discoveries in this site include remains of an ancient temple that belonged to early medieval period. Other findings include heavy stone slabs, sculpture of Lord Shiva’s Linga called the "Ekmukha Linga", sculpture of Lord Indra among others. Pottery wares of Rang Mahal period were also found in these mounds.

Suchan

At around 16 Km towards the east of Sirsa city is another excavation site. This mound unfolds the remains of early medieval pottery pieces belonging to the culture of Rang Mahal.

Where to stay in Sirsa

Many hotels and resorts have been built around these excavation sites. One can very well get accommodation in one of the hotels easily. Other than that the Tourism department of Haryana Government also has their guest houses near the sites. The guest house has decent deluxe and economy rooms.

For any further information on archeological mounds in Sirsa or for Government accommodation,  you can contact:

Archaeological Mounds Local Tourism Information:
Haryana Tourism Corporation Limited
SCO 17-B, Chandigarh – 160017
Tel: 0172 2702955-57, 0172 2720437
Fax: 0172 2703185, 2702783
Website: www.haryanatourism.nic.in/
Email: haryanatourism@gmail.com

How to reach the excavation sites in Sirsa

Since accommodations are available in close proximity to the excavation site, traveling to the sites is easy. One can hire taxis or auto for reasonable fare. The Haryana Government runs HSRTC buses regularly to the excavation site. But, choosing a private transport for travel is convenient than going in the bus.

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