About Chirand Archaeological Site
Chirand Archaeological Site is a major Neolithic-Chalcolithic settlement mound located in Chirand village, Saran district, Bihar, on the northern bank of the Ganga near its confluence with the Ghaghara. Excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India between 1960 and 1971, it reveals continuous cultural sequence from Neolithic (c. 2500 BCE) through Chalcolithic, Iron Age, and early historic to Pala periods, notable for early rice cultivation, bone tools, and pottery.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a large earthen mound on the riverbank marking an ancient settlement, with visible excavated trenches and stratified layers. The rural, open landscape overlooks the Ganga and Ghaghara floodplain. There are scattered pottery sherds, information boards explaining the cultural sequence, and a small display of recovered artefacts. The site is largely open-air with minimal structures, offering a quiet, educational experience focused on archaeological remains and riverine scenery.
Key highlights
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One of the earliest Neolithic settlements in the Ganga Valley with evidence of continuous habitation from c. 2500 BCE to Pala period
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Located at the confluence of the Ganga and Ghaghara rivers on the northern bank of the Ganga
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Excavated by Archaeological Survey of India (1960-1971) revealing five cultural periods
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Evidence of early rice cultivation, bone and antler tools, microliths, and handmade pottery
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Finds include Neolithic celts, terracotta figurines, beads, and Northern Black Polished Ware from later periods
History of Chirand Archaeological Site
Chirand is a stratified archaeological mound excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India from 1960 to 1971 under B.K. Thapar and others. It revealed a continuous cultural sequence: Period I Neolithic (c. 2500-1345 BCE), Period II Chalcolithic, Period III Iron Age with Northern Black Polished Ware, Period IV Kushan and Gupta, and Period V Pala period. It provided early evidence of Neolithic rice cultivation, settled village life, bone tools, and ceramic traditions in the Middle Ganga plain.
Culture & Context
The site demonstrates early agrarian village culture in Bihar with evidence of rice, wheat and moong cultivation, animal domestication, and craft production. Recovered artefacts such as handmade pottery, terracotta figurines, beads and tools illustrate the transition from Neolithic to early historic cultures in the Ganga Valley and are important for understanding the region's prehistoric and early historic heritage.