The Overlooked Legacy of Rakhaldas Banerjee: Unveiling an Ancient Civilization

Sun Oct 19 2025 05:04:51 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Rakhaldas Banerjee, an Indian archaeologist, made a groundbreaking discovery of Mohenjo-daro, yet his contributions have been obscured by controversies.

Rakhaldas Banerjee, a prominent Indian archaeologist, is credited with uncovering the ancient city of Mohenjo-daro, a significant site of the Indus Valley Civilization. Despite the magnitude of his discovery, Banerjee's legacy is often overshadowed by disputes and his controversial tenure at the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Born in 1885 into a wealthy Bengali family, he displayed an adventurous spirit early in his career. His findings, and the tale of his independent conduct coupled with conflicts with the colonial administration, offer a glimpse into the complexities of historical narratives and the challenges faced by pioneering scholars in their times.

Rakhaldas Banerjee, an esteemed Indian archaeologist, is largely recognized for discovering Mohenjo-daro, a central city of the Indus Valley Civilization, during the early 1900s. Despite this critical contribution to history, Banerjee’s name often slips into obscurity. Working under British colonial rule and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), he embarked on numerous expeditions throughout India, uncovering ancient artifacts and sites. His efforts led to groundbreaking excavations at Mohenjo-daro, revealing a civilization that thrived 5,300 years ago across a vast expanse from Afghanistan to India.

However, disputes tainted his legacy. Critics argue that his independent nature, refusal to conform to colonial expectations, and alleged mismanagement of resources led to conflicts with ASI officials, particularly John Marshall. Reports suggest that crucial findings from Banerjee's work were suppressed or appropriated, casting a shadow over his contributions in historical accounts. Despite these challenges, he remains a noteworthy figure in Bengal and among historians, known for his adventurous spirit that guided his archaeological pursuits.

Banerjee's life was marked by brilliance and controversy. Born into privilege in Bengal, he developed a profound interest in history, enhanced by his upbringing amid medieval monuments. He secured a position at the ASI, quickly rising through the ranks, which culminated in his significant views at Mohenjo-daro in 1919. His discoveries included inscriptions and seals linking Mohenjo-daro to Harappa, reinforcing the extensive nature of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Despite his successes, Banerjee's time at the ASI was rife with turmoil. Accusations of financial irregularities and mismanagement led to his transfer away from Mohenjo-daro and later resignation. Following his departure from the ASI, Banerjee struggled financially and faced further scandals, including an unsubstantiated idol theft allegation. He continued to teach until his untimely death at the young age of 45 in 1930.

The story of Rakhaldas Banerjee is emblematic of the challenges faced by early archaeologists who navigated complex colonial dynamics and institutional inefficiencies. His remarkable findings remain pivotal in our understanding of ancient civilizations, even as his personal legacy highlights the intricate relationships between discovery, recognition, and historical narrative.