Why in news?
In June 2026 the Archaeological Survey of India handed over three complete human skeletons and other skeletal fragments excavated at Rakhigarhi, a Harappan site in Haryana, to the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) for advanced scientific research. This transfer highlights AnSI’s growing role in analysing ancient human remains.
Background
AnSI, founded on 1 December 1945 in Kolkata, is a premier organisation under the Ministry of Culture. It emerged from the zoological and anthropological section of the Indian Museum and focuses on physical anthropology, cultural anthropology and ethnology. AnSI maintains regional centres across India and conducts fieldwork among tribal and ethnic communities. Since 1985 it has led the “People of India” project to document the country’s diverse groups. The institute also curates skeletal collections and promotes the conservation of tribal arts and crafts.
Key points
- Rakhigarhi remains: The skeletons were found at Mound No. 7 of Rakhigarhi, the largest known Harappan settlement. AnSI will perform DNA analysis, stable‑isotope studies and osteological assessments to understand ancestry, diet, disease and migration patterns during the Indus–Saraswati civilisation.
- Collaborative research: AnSI will work with the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, University College London and Banaras Hindu University. The goal is to integrate archaeology, palaeogenomics and environmental studies to build a holistic picture of ancient populations.
- Reviving palaeoanthropology: AnSI has a tradition of osteological research but had paused such studies for several decades. The current project aims to strengthen capabilities in skeletal analysis and foster cooperation with related institutions such as the Zoological Survey of India and Botanical Survey of India.
Conclusion
By analysing the Rakhigarhi remains, AnSI hopes to uncover how ancient societies adapted to climate, traded and migrated. The research may shed light on early urbanisation in the Indian subcontinent and deepen our understanding of human diversity.