About Bagore Archaeological Site Mound
Bagore is the largest Mesolithic archaeological site in India, located on the left bank of the Kothari River in Bhilwara district, Rajasthan. The site spans approximately 10,000 square meters and has been horizontally excavated, revealing three distinct cultural phases dating from 5000 BC to around 200 AD. It provides crucial evidence of early animal domestication, including dogs and horses, and continuous human habitation over five millennia.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore an open archaeological mound representing one of India's most significant prehistoric settlements. The site features exposed excavation areas showing Mesolithic occupation layers, stone-paved house floors, and butchering areas with animal bones. The landscape includes a prominent sand dune locally known as Mahasati in the Mewar plains near the Aravali hills. Visitors can observe the physical remains of ancient microlithic tool-making areas and understand early pastoralist life.
Key highlights
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Largest Mesolithic settlement site discovered in India
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Only horizontally excavated archaeological site in the country
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Three distinct cultural phases spanning 5000 years of continuous occupation
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Earliest evidence of domesticated dogs sharing habitat with Stone Age communities
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Most securely dated Mesolithic site in India with extensive radiocarbon dating
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Evidence of earliest domesticated horses in India
History of Bagore Archaeological Site Mound
Bagor represents the largest and best-documented Mesolithic settlement in India, occupied continuously for approximately 5,000 years from around 5000 BC to 200 AD. Discovered by Dr. L.S. Leshnik in 1967 and excavated by V.N. Misra (1973-77) and Vasant Shinde, the site reveals three cultural phases with Phase I dated between 5000-2000 BC based on radiocarbon dating. The site provides the earliest evidence of animal domestication in India, including dogs, sheep, goats, cattle, and reportedly horses. Five human skeletons were found buried in a planned manner, and the site shows interactions between Stone Age communities and farming cultures.
Culture & Context
The site demonstrates the transition from nomadic pastoralism to settled agricultural life in northwestern India. It provides unique insights into the acculturation process of Stone Age communities with full-fledged farming cultures. The discovery of geometric microliths made from locally available chert and quartz, ring stones used as hammer stones, and rubbing stones for grinding food illustrates the technological sophistication of early inhabitants.