UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
India

Burzahom archaeological site

Neolithic pit‑settlement and megaliths, Kashmir Valley

Location

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Historical Context

About

The Burzahom archaeological site is located in the Srinagar district of the Kashmir Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Archaeological excavations have revealed four phases of cultural significance between 3000 BCE and 1000 BCE. Periods I and II represent the Neolithic era; Period III the Megalithic era (of massive stone menhirs and wheel turned red pottery); and Period IV relates to the early Historical Period (Post-megalithic period). The findings, recorded in stratified cultural deposits representing prehistoric human activity in Kashmir, are based on detailed investigations that cover all aspects of the physical evidence of the site, including the ancient flora and fauna. The Burzahom site revealed the transition from the subterranean and ground level housing features of the Neolithic people to the mudbrick structures of the Megalithic people. The large cache of tools and implements made of bone and stone found at the site shows that the inhabitants were hunting and farming. The unearthed Antiquities (of art, architecture, customs and rituals) indicate that the prehistoric people of the Burzahom established contact with Central Asia and South West Asia and also had links to the Gangetic plains and peninsular India. The interaction of local and foreign influences is demonstrated by the art, architecture, customs, rituals and language demonstrated by some engravings on pottery and other artifacts..

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Earliest occupation dated

before 2357 BCE

UNESCO nomination

15 April 2014

Initial excavation

1936

Major ASI investigations

1960–1971

Cultural phases span

3000–1000 BCE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Miscellaneous Features

Caches
category

Burial and Funerary Structures

Graves
category

Industrial and Craft Structures

Workshops
category

Religious and Ritual Structures

Stelae
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

Inscriptions
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Pit HousesHousesVillages
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Soil Layers
category

Food Production and Processing Features

Hearths
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference

Details

Country

India

Coordinates

34.17° N, 74.87° E