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The Forgotten Legacy of Rakhaldas Banerjee
An Indian archaeologist, whose significant contributions to historical discovery remain largely overlooked, was pivotal in unearthing one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world. Rakhaldas Banerjee, known for his adventurous spirit and remarkable skills, played a crucial role in the discovery of Mohenjo-daro, the monumental city of the Indus Valley Civilization, located in present-day Pakistan. This civilization thrived during the Bronze Age, extending across regions from present-day Afghanistan to northwestern India.
Unearthing History
In the early 1900s, while working with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) amid British colonial dominance, Banerjee embarked on extensive explorations throughout the Indian subcontinent in search of ancient artifacts and ruins. His enthusiasm and dedication led him to Mohenjo-daro in 1919, where he undertook groundbreaking excavations that would later unveil a wealth of historical treasures including seals, pottery, and urban planning evidence that illustrated the sophistication of the Indus Valley civilization.
Despite the significance of his findings, Banerjee’s legacy is overshadowed by controversies and disputes that arose during and after his career. His assertive approach and tendency to challenge established colonial protocols often led to friction with his superiors, ultimately affecting the recognition he received for his pioneering work.
The Controversy of Credit
Interestingly, despite discovering Mohenjo-daro, Banerjee’s findings were never formally published by the ASI. Subsequently, discrepancies about credit for the discovery emerged, leading to accusations from fellow archaeologist PK Mishra that ASI chief John Marshall had downplayed Banerjee’s contributions, claiming the accolades for himself. Mishra emphasized that while Marshall’s name is often associated with the discovery, Banerjee is frequently relegated to an overlooked footnote in history.
Historian Nayanjot Lahiri, in her book, *Finding Forgotten Cities: How the Indus Civilization Was Discovered*, describes Banerjee’s struggles with diplomacy at the ASI. Lahiri presents instances where his actions, such as attempting to acquire artifacts without proper approval and incurring expenses that raised eyebrows among his supervisors, contributed to his complicated reputation.
Lesser-Known Tales from His Life
Rakhaldas Banerjee’s life was marked by adventure and intellectual curiosity, cultivated during his youth in Bengal, where his affluent upbringing allowed him to explore historical monuments and pursue extensive studies in archaeology. His initial excitement for the subject led him to the ASI, where he quickly gained recognition for his abilities. His connection with Mohenjo-daro fostered enduring respect among some scholars, particularly in Bengal, despite his tumultuous career.
Banerjee’s excavation efforts between 1922 and 1923 unveiled various layers of civilization from approximately 5,300 years ago, providing critical insights into urban settlements of the Indus Valley. Among his notable discoveries were seals with inscriptions linking Mohenjo-daro to the Harappa region, suggesting a broader, interconnected civilization.
A Disheartening Turn
However, by 1924, Banerjee faced funding challenges and was transferred away from Mohenjo-daro, which limited his further engagement with this vital historical site. Reports indicate his request for transfer was also motivated by complications involving unapproved expenditures that resulted in an investigation into his financial practices.
Following his resignation from the ASI in 1927, amidst further allegations of misconduct regarding an idol’s disappearance after a visit to a sacred shrine, Banerjee’s academic career continued, though marred by financial strain due to his lifestyle choices. His tenure as a professor at the Banaras Hindu University was cut short by his untimely death at the age of 45 in 1930.
Conclusion
The legacy of Rakhaldas Banerjee is a testament to both remarkable archaeological discovery and the complexities of recognition within the field. His role in bringing Mohenjo-daro and the Indus Valley Civilization to light remains invaluable, yet serves as a reminder of the historical figures whose stories continue to be relegated to the shadows of academia. Banerjee’s contributions underscore the need to honor the multifaceted narratives of those who have shaped our understanding of history.
Source
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