Chhapra. Just imagine that there is the river Ganga flowing in front of you, but standing there on the bank, history is breathing beneath your feet – that civilization of about 4000 years old, where for the first time man learned to do farming by giving up hunting, established villages and laid the foundation of society. This is not a story, but the reality of Chirand village of Saran district of Bihar. This village, situated just a few kilometers away from Chapra, is the center of India’s Neolithic culture i.e. Neolithic Era, which archaeologists have considered to be the turning point in the development of human civilization. But see the irony – the Ganga which once gave life to this civilization, today the same river is eager to swallow it within itself. Amidst this clash of history and present, Chirand is today crying out for survival.
Chirand is the most important site of the Neolithic era in India.
Unique Excavated Treasures
The excavations of Bihar Archeology Directorate in the year 1960-70 and the recent excavation in 2019 brought Chirand on the world map. Three periods were found here – one – Neolithic (2500-1345 BC), two – Chalcolithic and three – Iron Age. Circular huts were made of wild grass, stone-bone tools, bows and arrows, beads and jewellery. The most surprising are the ancient earrings of wheat, barley, rice and lentils. Clear proof that the agricultural revolution started here! The number of bone tools is so much that it is second in India after Burzahom of Kashmir. These tools show that ancient people moved from hunting to farming and trade. Chirand is a living proof of the independent civilization of Eastern India, with its own unique culture different from Harappa!
The Neolithic archaeological site of Chirand, Saran is in danger due to erosion of the Ganges.
Danger of Ganga, call of survival
Chirand is at the beautiful confluence of Ganga-Ghaghra, but this river became its biggest enemy. Due to annual erosion, a large part of the site has been submerged in the river. The government is taking sack and temporary measures, but there is a need for greater protection. Bihar government is working on a plan to build a thematic park, museum and tourist circuit, so that tourists can come here and touch the history. Recent cleaning drives and conservation efforts offer hope. Today this civilization itself is fighting a war with the waves of Ganga. Chirand is not just a village, but a disappearing shadow of civilization, which is becoming deeper every year with the erosion of the Ganga.
The Neolithic archeological site of Saran, Chirand, is in danger due to erosion of the Ganga.
Why is Chirand precious?
This site tells that Bihar was prosperous and civilized since ancient times. The remains of trade, art and agriculture tell the story of this place’s own culture. History lover, student or tourist – definitely visit Chirand. The soil here speaks and the Ganga testifies. If preserved, it will become the new tourism hotspot of Bihar, otherwise the history will be lost forever. Today, this village situated at the confluence of Ganga-Ghaghra can become a history book, but the waves of the river are bent upon swallowing it! It’s time to wake up – save Chirand, keep history alive!
