In the early 20th century, an Indian archaeologist named Rakhaldas Banerjee made a groundbreaking discovery that would change the course of history. Banerjee, who worked for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), uncovered the ancient city of Mohenjo-daro in present-day Pakistan, which was the largest city of the thriving Indus Valley Civilization.
Banerjee’s discovery was remarkable, but his legacy is marred by controversy. His independent streak and defiance of colonial protocols often landed him in trouble, and he was accused of suppressing his own findings. In fact, it was later revealed that his reports on Mohenjo-daro were never published by the ASI.
Despite these controversies, Banerjee remains a prominent figure among world historians and scholars in Bengal due to his connection with Mohenjo-daro. Born in 1885, Banerjee pursued his passion for history from an early age and was drawn to archaeology. He joined the ASI as an excavation assistant in 1910 and quickly rose through the ranks.
Banerjee’s excavations at Mohenjo-daro revealed many fascinating finds, including ancient Buddhist stupas, coins, seals, pots, and microliths. His discovery of several layers of ruins that held clues about urban settlements in the region was particularly significant, shedding light on the vast reach of the Indus Valley Civilization.
However, Banerjee’s personal life was also marred by controversy. He was accused of misusing his funds for excavation projects and was implicated in a case of idol theft in 1925. Despite being cleared of all charges, he was forced to resign from the ASI in 1927 due to pressure from superiors.
Banerjee’s legacy is a complex one, marked by both groundbreaking discoveries and personal controversies. Despite this, his contributions to the field of archaeology remain significant, and his story continues to fascinate historians and scholars today.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1k4v4xvpxlo