Siswal Culture in Haryana

Siswal Culture

Origin and Naming

• The first excavation in Haryana was conducted in Siswal of Hisar district.
• Named 'Siswal Culture' after this site.

Settlement and Emergence:

• Around 2500 BC, farmers from Rajasthan settled in Drishadvati river valley.
• Agricultural activities led to the emergence of Siswal culture in Haryana.

Representation and Name:

• Represents the development of a farming community.
• Also referred to as Farming Culture.

Distribution:

• 29 places under this culture in Haryana.
• Divided into pre-Siswal, middle Siswal, and later Siswal settlements.

Pre-Siswal Settlements:

• 13 pre-Siswal settlements.
• 9 in Drishadvati valley, 2 in Saraswati valley, and 2 in Yamuna valley.

Middle Siswal Settlements:

• 20 middle Siswal settlements.
• 12 in Drishadvati valley, 5 in Yamuna valley, 2 in Ghaggar valley, and 1 in Saraswati valley.

Later Siswal Settlements:

• Approximately 28 later Siswal settlements.
• 11 in Sahabi valley, 10 in Drishadvati valley, 6 in Yamuna valley, and 1 in Saraswati valley.

Expansion and Discovery:

• Siswal people initially settled in Drishadvati river valley.
• Siswal settlements found in Mahendragarh, Haryana.

Important Features

Agrarian Focus:

• The culture was agrarian and more advanced than later cultures.

Animal Husbandry:

• Introduction of animal husbandry, with cows, bulls, goats, dogs, and pigs as domestic animals.

Dairying and Cloth Making:

• Dairying practices began, leading to proficiency in making skins, wool, and cotton cloth.

Social Institutions:

• Groups, families, and various social institutions became prevalent during this period.

Cultural Practices:

• Probable initiation of marriage, religion, and idol worship during this era.

Connection to Urban Civilization:

• Transition towards Urban Civilization with connections to Indus Civilization around 2300 BCE.