Kolkata’s Ancient Past: Archaeological Findings Reveal 3,000-Year-Old Civilization.

Rich Hindu History of Kolkata….

Unveiling Kolkata’s Ancient Past: A 3,000-Year-Old Civilization Connected with Chandraketugarh And Harappan Civilization.

Sankirtan Das | HENB | Kolkata | Aug 13, 2025:: Recent archaeological findings have shed new light on Kolkata’s history, revealing a thriving civilization around Clive House in Dum Dum that dates back over 3,000 years. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the city’s past and its connection to the Harappan civilization and Chadraketugarh, dating back long before the birth of Christ.

The Discovery

Excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) between 2001 and 2003, and again in 2022, have uncovered evidence of an ancient civilization, including terracotta pots, tortoise shells, animal, bird, and fish bones. Carbon dating has confirmed that these artifacts are at least 3,000 years old.

Connection to the Chandraketugarh and Harappan Civilization

The findings suggest that the town of Kolkata was established soon after the fall of the Harappan civilization, and it had direct trade links with Chandraketugarh. The discovery of a warehouse and trade artifacts indicates that the area was an important center for trade and commerce, with direct communication with Chandraketugarh by water, highlighting the importance of this region in ancient trade networks.

Significance of the Findings

The discovery of Kolkata’s ancient past has significant implications for our understanding of the city’s history and its place in the broader cultural and historical context of the region. It highlights the city’s potential role as a major trade center and its connection to the Harappan civilization, one of the oldest urban civilizations in the world.

Expert Insights

Shuvo Majumdar, director of the Baroda region of the ASI, has provided valuable insights into the findings. According to him, the discovery of a model of two elephants fighting, similar to one found in Chandraketugarh, suggests direct communication between the two places by water.

A New Perspective on Kolkata’s History

The discovery of Kolkata’s ancient civilization has sparked a new wave of interest in the city’s history. As researchers and historians continue to study the findings, a more nuanced understanding of Kolkata’s past is emerging, one that challenges the conventional narrative of the city’s founding.

Shubh Majumdar presented archaeological evidence at a program titled ‘Clive House – Silent Witness of History’ organized recently at Sarojini Naidu College. Historian Shyamal Ghosh, researchers Moumita Saha and Alok Guha were also present. Everyone agreed that this discovery will force us to rewrite the history of not only Kolkata, but also the entire Bengal.

Breaking the Myth

The findings suggest that Kolkata has a rich Hindu history, with evidence of ancient trade and cultural exchange with other civilizations, including the Harappan civilization and Chandraketugarh. This challenges the notion that Kolkata’s history began with the arrival of the Nawabs or British, and instead reveals a complex and multifaceted past that spans thousands of years connecting Gangaridhi Civilization.

Many of us think of Kolkata as a creation of the Nawabi period, the ‘City of Joy’ of the British. But this discovery showed that this city on the Ganges is the holder of a very ancient, multi-layered history. Here is not only the colonial past, but also the story of ancient trade, artifacts, and the memory of a forgotten civilization.

The recent revelation proves the rich Hindu history of Kolkata, breaking the myth that Kolkata was created by Nawabs or Britishers.

Conclusion

The archaeological findings at Clive House have revealed a fascinating chapter in Kolkata’s history, one that spans over 3,000 years. The discovery of an ancient civilization, trade links with Chandraketugarh, and the strategic location of the warehouse all contribute to a deeper understanding of the city’s past. As we continue to uncover the secrets of Kolkata’s history, we are reminded of the city’s rich cultural heritage and its significance in the broader cultural and historical context of the region.

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_Agency Inputs.