Saturday, March 29, 2025
The ancient Indian skeleton case began in 2019 when archaeologist Abhijit Ambekar unearthed human remains buried in a meditative, cross-legged posture during excavations in Vadnagar, Gujarat.
Thought to belong to the Solanki era, the skeleton remains one of only a few such discoveries across India, shedding light on historical practices such as samadhi burials.
DNA analysis and stratigraphy date the man to the Solanki dynasty (940–1300 CE). His posture and placement suggest a ritualistic burial, potentially offering insights into early Hindu spiritual customs.
Despite its importance, the skeleton is not displayed in Vadnagar’s $35 million Archaeological Experiential Museum, which boasts 5,000 artefacts. Instead, it’s stored under makeshift shelter with minimal protection. While the museum features a photograph of the skeleton, officials are entangled in disputes over its custody.
According to Ambekar, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) handed over all Vadnagar-excavated artefacts, including the skeleton, to Gujarat’s Directorate of Archaeology. However, the state denies taking formal possession of the remains, citing procedural lapses.
The ancient Indian skeleton case has drawn ire from residents and experts alike. Locals feel that Vadnagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthplace, is being robbed of its heritage display. “It’s shameful,” says Jesang Thakor, a Vadnagar resident. “Why spend crores on a museum if a world-class artefact is abandoned under plastic?”
Meanwhile, cultural officials insist they are working on moving the remains to a climate-controlled facility. Experts say preservation conditions must meet strict temperature and humidity standards to avoid decay.
The meticulous process of removing the skeleton took two months, involving chemical treatments and a crane to relocate the block of soil holding the remains. Encased in a wooden box with wet mud, it is now exposed to the elements and visitor footfall.
Ambekar stresses that the skeleton could unlock new knowledge about early Indian diets, lifestyles, and spiritual practices. Further studies could reveal more about samadhi burials and community customs during the Solanki reign.
The ancient Indian skeleton case highlights the urgent need for clear archaeological protocols and inter-departmental cooperation. Until then, a crucial piece of India’s rich historical puzzle remains in limbo, drawing global curiosity—and national embarrassment.
