Chandigarh, 3 April: The Department of History at Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women organised an enriching educational field visit to Rakhigarhi, one of the largest and most significant sites of the Harappan Civilisation. The visit was conceptualised as a field-based extension of classroom learning, offering students a valuable opportunity to experience archaeology in practice.

The academic exploration was facilitated by Mr. Harnoordeep Vats (Times of Yore), Heritage Walk Leader and Archaeologist, who guided students through a structured and insightful learning experience. The programme was further enriched through collaboration with the Department of Archaeology Haryana, with support from Mr. Vinit Bhanwala. Students also interacted with Mr. Chirantan Sarkar, Trench Supervisor at the site, who shared in-depth knowledge about excavation techniques, recording methods, and the practical challenges encountered in archaeological fieldwork. During the visit, students explored active excavation areas, gaining first-hand exposure to trench layouts, stratigraphic layers, and systematic excavation processes. A pottery workshop formed a key highlight of the visit, where students engaged with traditional techniques of shaping and handling clay. This hands-on experience provided deeper insights into ancient craftsmanship, production processes, and the functional dimensions of ceramic artefacts, thereby strengthening their understanding of material culture. The field visit effectively demonstrated how historical knowledge is constructed through careful excavation, documentation, and analysis. It also underscored the importance of archaeological sites as dynamic spaces of research, interpretation, and heritage preservation.

Officiating Principal Ms. Neena Sharma remarked that such experiential learning opportunities are invaluable in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical understanding. She added that visits to historically significant sites like Rakhigarhi inspire students to appreciate our rich cultural heritage and develop a deeper engagement with the discipline of history.