Draft:Padta Bet Archaeological Site

The Padta Bet Archaeological Site is a archaeological site located near Khatiya village in the Kachchh district of Gujarat, India. It was discovered by archaeologists from Kerala University during collaborative expeditions in 2019 and subsequent years.

Discovery and Excavation
The site was unearthed during excavations led by assistant professors Abhayan G.S. and Rajesh S.V. of the Department of Archaeology in Kerala University. These excavations revealed a 5,200-year-old Harappan settlement approximately 1.5 km away from the Early Harappan necropolis of Juna Khatiya.

Archaeological Significance
The archaeological deposits at Padta Bet include remains of a circular structure and various rectangular structures made of locally available sandstone and shales. Artefacts such as pottery, semi-precious stone beads, terracotta spindle whorls, and copper tools were discovered, indicating the presence of Early Harappan, Classical Harappan, and Late Harappan occupations.

The ceramics found at the site represent both known Harappan pottery types and locally unique traditions. The presence of animal bones suggests animal domestication and shell fragments indicate shellfish exploitation by the inhabitants.

Cultural Context
Padta Bet's location on a hillock overlooking a valley suggests strategic significance. The discovery of the settlement challenges previous notions that Harappan settlements were primarily located on plains. Instead, Padta Bet represents a unique habitation site within a rugged landscape.

Collaborative Research
Various institutions, including the Catalan Institute of Classical Archaeology, Spanish National Research Council, and several universities in India and abroad, are collaborating in the research program to further understand the cultural and historical significance of Padta Bet and its role in the Early Harappan civilization.

Future Research
Ongoing research aims to identify additional archaeological remains, analyze artefacts, and further explore the cultural and economic practices of the Harappan people who inhabited Padta Bet and its surrounding areas.