Abstract

The paper reviews the mortuary archaeology of the Harappan civilization and evaluates various natural and anthropogenic processes responsible for the destruction of graves. Since the first excavation at Mohenjo-daro in 1921-22, numerous Harappan sites have been excavated and a number of sites have gone into oblivion. Who were the ancestors and where are the descendants of Harappans remains a subject of discussion. With time new methods of excavation and scientific approaches are being introduced to reveal maximum data. By the time the branch of burial archaeology with an emphasis on ancient DNA is fully developed, we need to have the graves to be investigated to know who were Harappans and where have they migrated? A policy document for selected excavation, conservation of the finds, protection of the sites, heritage awareness, public outreach programs, and local community participation, besides a sustainable approach towards sites, is needed.

Keywords:Harappan graves; Burials; Cemetery; Skeletons; Conservation