Rakhigarhi Stadium: A Glimpse Into the Harappan Love for Sports

Imagine a bustling arena, built thousands of years ago, where people gathered to watch games, ceremonies, or communal activities under the glow of flickering fires. This isn’t a scene from ancient Greece but from the Harappan civilization, as evidenced by the recent discovery of a mud-brick stadium at Rakhigarhi, the largest known Harappan site located 150 km from Delhi. This groundbreaking find sheds light on the advanced engineering, cultural practices, and social structure of one of the world’s earliest urban societies.

Excavations at Mound 3 of Rakhigarhi have uncovered a mud-brick stadium with remarkable features, including stepped seating, a 14-degree incline for optimal viewing, and fireplaces between seats, suggesting that events lasted into the evening. Speaking about the excavation, ADG (Archaeology) S.K. Manjul described the structure as “clear evidence of a complex society with interpersonal linkages.” He added that the fireplaces point to the Harappans' ability to organize large-scale gatherings that extended beyond daylight hours.

This stadium is the first confirmed example of its kind from the Harappan period and provides conclusive evidence of their love for sports and public ceremonies. The discovery also supports previous hypotheses based on the 'rangbhoomi' found at Dholavira, another prominent Harappan site in Gujarat. While the Dholavira structure hinted at a space for sports, the stadium at Rakhigarhi confirms the Harappans' dedication to organized communal activities.
One of the most striking aspects of this discovery is the evidence of maintenance. The excavators noted that the stadium’s base was constructed using mud bricks, while certain steps showed repairs with burnt bricks, indicating a sustained effort to maintain the structure over time. “This shows that somewhere the steps got chipped, and these were repaired,” explained Manjul. Such practices highlight the Harappans' long-term planning and the presence of a centralized authority to oversee construction and upkeep.

The findings at Rakhigarhi go beyond the stadium. Excavators have identified a large marketplace near the stadium, believed to have housed traders and an animal market. Bones with cut marks, weights, measures, precious stones, seals, and beads made of silver and gold have been unearthed, indicating a thriving trade network and interactions with traders from distant regions.

“This was a complex society,” Manjul remarked, emphasizing the variety of artifacts found. The evidence points to a bustling urban center with well-organized trade and social systems during the Mature Harappan phase (2600–1900 BCE).

Rakhigarhi is divided into seven mounds (RGR 1 to 7), with the recent discoveries focused on Mounds 1 and 3. Over 10 excavation seasons, the site has revealed a wealth of information about Harappan urban planning, including advanced drainage systems, standardized brick sizes, and indications of social stratification.

The discovery of the stadium now adds another layer to our understanding of Harappan society. Unlike the often utilitarian focus of earlier finds, the stadium and marketplace highlight the cultural and recreational aspects of their lives, painting a more holistic picture of this ancient civilization.
The Harappan civilization, with its well-planned cities, intricate trade systems, and advanced engineering, was a marvel of its time. The discovery of the Rakhigarhi stadium not only confirms their love for sports and public gatherings but also reflects the sophistication and complexity of their society.
As excavation continues, with the current license to dig extending until January 15, researchers hope to uncover even more details about the Harappans' way of life. From marketplaces to stadia, every find adds a new dimension to our understanding of this remarkable civilization, bridging the gap between the past and present.

The Rakhigarhi stadium discovery offers a unique glimpse into the Harappan civilization’s engineering expertise, cultural practices, and social dynamics. It stands as a testament to their ingenuity and the enduring legacy of one of the world’s first urban societies. With every brick and artifact unearthed, the story of the Harappans becomes clearer, leaving us in awe of their achievements and their place in history.

This story was originally reported by Nidhi Sharma for The Economic Times and published on January 9, 2025. Read the original article here