An Indian archaeologist, whose career was marked by brilliance and controversy, made one of the world's greatest historical discoveries. Yet he remains largely forgotten today. In the early 1900s, Rakhaldas Banerjee (also spelled Banerji) unearthed Mohenjo-daro - meaning "mound of the dead men" in the Sindhi language - in present-day Pakistan. It was the largest city of the thriving Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilisation, which stretched from north-east Afghanistan to north-west India during the Bronze Age. Banerjee, an intrepid explorer and talented epigraphist, worked for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) when the country was under British colonial rule. He spent months travelling to distant corners of the subcontinent, looking for ancient artefacts, ruins and scripts. But while his discovery of Mohenjo-daro was ground-breaking, Banerjee's legacy is clouded by disputes. His independent streak and defiance of colonial protocols often landed him in trouble - tainting his reputation and perhaps even erasing parts of his contribution from global memory. Interestingly, Banerjee's reports on Mohenjo-daro were never published by the ASI. Archaeologist PK Mishra later accused then ASI chief John Marshall of suppressing Banerjee's findings and claiming credit for the discovery himself. "The world knows Marshall discovered the civilisation's ruins and it is taught in institutions. Banerjee is an insignificant footnote," Prof Mishratoldthe Times of India newspaper. In her book,Finding Forgotten Cities: How the Indus Civilization Was Discovered, historian Nayanjot Lahiri writes that Banerjee "lacked diplomacy and tact and displayed a high-handedness that ruffled feathers". Her book also sheds light on the controversies he was embroiled in during his time at the ASI. She notes how once, he attempted to procure inscriptions and images from a museum in north-east India without the approval or knowledge of his boss. Another time, Banerjee attempted to relocate some stone sculptures from a museum in Bengal to the one he was stationed at without the necessary permissions. In another instance, he purchased an antique painting for a sum without consulting his superiors who thought he'd paid more than was necessary. "Banerjee's many talents seemed to include being always able to rub people the wrong way," Lahiri writes. But Banerjee remains a prominent figure among world historians and scholars in Bengal because of his connection with Mohenjo-daro. He was born in 1885 to a wealthy family in Bengal. The medieval monuments that dotted Baharampur, the city he grew up in, kindled his interest in history and he pursued the subject in college. But he always had an adventurous streak. Once, when he was tasked with writing an essay about the Scythian period of Indian history, he travelled to a museum in a neighbouring state to study first-hand sculptures and scripts from that era. In her book,The Life and Works of Rakhaldas Banerji, author Yama Pande notes how Banerjee joined the ASI as an excavation assistant in 1910 and rose quickly within the ranks to become a superintending archaeologist in western India in 1917. It was in this post that he first set eyes on Mohenjo-daro in Sindh in 1919. In the following years, he conducted a series of excavations at the site that revealed some of the most fascinating finds: ancient Buddhist stupas, coins, seals, pots and microliths. Between 1922 and 1923, he discovered several layers of ruins that held clues about various urban settlements that had emerged in the region, but most importantly, the oldest one that had existed some 5,300 years ago - the Indus Valley Civilisation. At that time, historians had not yet discovered the full scale of the Indus Civilisation which, we now know, covered an expanse of approximately 386,000 sq miles (999,735 sq km) along the Indus river valley. Three seals from Banerjee's excavation bore images and scripts similar to those from Harappa in the Punjab province in present-day Pakistan. This helped establish a link between the two sites, shedding light on the vast reach of the Indus Valley civilisation. But by 1924, Banerjee's funds for the project had dried up and he was also transferred to eastern India. He had no further contact with the site, nor did he participate in any excavations there, Pande writes in her book. But Nayanjot Lahiri notes that Banerjee was transferred at his own request, after becoming entangled in questions over his spending. He had failed to account for several job-related expenses. It was also revealed that Banerjee had used excavation grants to buy office furniture and his travel expenses were deemed excessive. His explanations failed to convince his superiors and disciplinary action was recommended. After some negotiation, Banerjee was granted his request and transferred to another region. Banerjee continued to work with the ASI in eastern India. He spent most of his time in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and oversaw the restoration work of many important monuments. He resigned from the ASI in 1927, but his departure was marred by controversy. In the years prior to his departure, he became the prime suspect in a case of idol theft. It all started in October 1925, when Banerjee had visited a revered Hindu shrine in Madhya Pradesh state that housed a stone idol of a Buddhist goddess. Banerjee was accompanied by two low-ranking assistants and two labourers, Lahiri notes in her book. However, following their visit, the idol went missing, and Banerjee was implicated in its theft. He denied any involvement in the disappearance and an investigation was launched. The idol was later recovered in Calcutta. Though the case against Banerjee was dismissed and the charges were found to be unsubstantiated, Marshall insisted on his resignation. After leaving the ASI, Banerjee worked as a professor, but faced financial difficulties because of his lavish lifestyle. Historian Tapati Guha-Thakurtatoldthe Telegraph newspaper that Banerjee splurged on good food, horse carriages and friends. In 1928, he joined the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) as a professor. He died just two years later at the age of 45. Follow BBC News India onInstagram,YouTube,TwitterandFacebook.
The forgotten Indian explorer who uncovered an ancient civilisation
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Revisiting Rakhaldas Banerjee: The Overlooked Discoverer of Mohenjo-daro"
Bbc News
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Rakhaldas Banerjee, an Indian archaeologist, is often overlooked despite his significant contributions to the discovery of Mohenjo-daro, a major archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization located in present-day Pakistan. In the early 1900s, while working for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under British colonial rule, Banerjee conducted extensive excavations at Mohenjo-daro, unearthing a wealth of artifacts and structures that revealed the advanced urban planning and culture of the civilization. His findings included ancient seals, coins, and pottery, which helped establish connections between Mohenjo-daro and other sites like Harappa, thus highlighting the vast expanse of the Indus Valley Civilization, which spanned approximately 386,000 square miles. Despite his groundbreaking work, Banerjee's legacy is marred by controversy. His independent approach and disregard for colonial protocols led to conflicts within the ASI, and his reports on Mohenjo-daro were never published. Allegations arose that ASI chief John Marshall suppressed Banerjee's findings, claiming credit for the discovery himself, leaving Banerjee relegated to a mere footnote in the annals of history.
Banerjee's career was characterized by a mix of brilliance and controversy, stemming from his adventurous spirit and occasional indiscretion. Born in 1885 to a wealthy family in Bengal, he pursued a career in archaeology fueled by his fascination with history. However, his tenure at the ASI was plagued by disputes over financial mismanagement and accusations of misconduct, including involvement in a case of idol theft that ultimately led to his resignation in 1927. After leaving the ASI, Banerjee struggled financially despite his academic position at Banaras Hindu University. His lavish lifestyle and failure to manage his finances effectively contributed to his difficulties. Tragically, he passed away at the young age of 45, leaving behind a legacy that, while significant among certain historians, remains overshadowed by the controversies of his life and career. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding historical recognition and the often tumultuous relationships between pioneers and the institutions they work for.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article delves into the life and contributions of Rakhaldas Banerjee, an Indian archaeologist who played a pivotal role in uncovering the ancient civilization of Mohenjo-daro. Despite his significant discoveries, the narrative highlights how his legacy has been overshadowed by controversy and disputes during his time, particularly regarding his relationship with colonial authorities. This situation raises questions about how history is recorded and remembered, especially concerning marginalized figures in archaeology.
Historical Perspective and Legacy
The article emphasizes the importance of Banerjee’s work in discovering Mohenjo-daro and the broader Indus Valley Civilization. Yet, it also points to the lack of recognition he received, suggesting that his independent approach and confrontations with colonial protocols may have contributed to his erasure from historical narratives. This aspect reflects a common theme in history where individuals who challenge the status quo are often overlooked.
Controversies and Suppression
The piece mentions accusations against John Marshall, the then chief of the Archaeological Survey of India, for allegedly suppressing Banerjee's findings. This revelation suggests a deeper issue of academic integrity and the politics surrounding archaeological discoveries. It raises important questions about who gets credit in the field and how institutional power dynamics can shape historical narratives.
Public Perception and Educational Impact
The portrayal of Banerjee as an “insignificant footnote” in history illustrates the struggle of marginalized figures to gain recognition. The article may intend to inspire a reevaluation of historical figures who have been unjustly forgotten, thereby affecting public perception and educational discourse around archaeology and colonial history.
Potential Manipulative Aspects
While the article presents factual information about Banerjee’s life and contributions, it also emphasizes the controversies surrounding his legacy. This focus on disputes may lead to an interpretation that seeks to provoke a sense of injustice or sympathy for Banerjee. The language used suggests a narrative that aims to highlight the failures of the academic establishment, which could be interpreted as manipulative if it oversimplifies complex historical dynamics.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The information presented appears credible, as it includes historical context and references to academic critiques, such as those from Prof. PK Mishra and historian Nayanjot Lahiri. However, the framing of Banerjee’s legacy and the controversies may influence how readers perceive his contributions, suggesting that while the article is based on factual accounts, it also carries a subjective interpretation of events.
Broader Implications
The discussion around Banerjee's legacy could influence how archaeology is taught and understood, particularly in post-colonial contexts. It may encourage a more nuanced understanding of the contributions of Indian scholars in a field often dominated by Western narratives. The implications for society, culture, and education could extend into calls for greater acknowledgment of diverse historical figures and their contributions.
Community Engagement
This article may resonate more with audiences who have an interest in history, archaeology, or post-colonial studies. It speaks to those who advocate for the recognition of marginalized voices in history and could inspire discussions within academic circles regarding the representation of historical figures.
Potential Market Effects
While the article does not directly address financial markets, the acknowledgment of historical figures like Banerjee could indirectly affect sectors such as tourism and education, particularly in regions associated with archaeological sites. Increased interest in the Indus Valley Civilization could lead to a rise in tourism or investment in archaeological research, though the impact on stock markets may be minimal.
Geopolitical Context
The emphasis on an Indian archaeologist's contributions during the colonial period reflects ongoing discussions about national identity and heritage in contemporary India. It aligns with current trends of re-evaluating colonial legacies and could contribute to national pride in historical achievements.
Use of AI in Writing
There is no explicit indication that AI was used in crafting this article. However, the structure and coherence of the writing suggest a careful editorial process that could involve AI tools for grammar or style checking, but not in the formulation of the core narrative. If AI were involved, it might have been used to enhance clarity and readability rather than to influence the historical content.
The analysis points to the article being both informative and thought-provoking, yet it carries an inherent bias in how it presents Banerjee's story. This raises significant discussions about recognition in history and the implications of colonial legacies.