Khokhrakot
Archaeological Landmark: Khokhrakot is an ancient archaeological mound, identified as the ruined site of Rohitika or Rohtasgarh, from which the city of Rohtak derives its name; the site's history spans from Circa 800 BC to 11th Century AD. Excavations have yielded significant finds like Painted Grey Ware (PGW), associating it with the epic Mahabharata age, sculptures, terracotta figurines, coins, and pottery, confirming its status as a major historical settlement. It is believed to have been the capital of the Yaudheya Republic (a powerful tribal group in ancient India), cementing its political and cultural importance. The site is protected by the Government of India, and the findings are primarily housed in the Department of History's Museum at M.D. University, Rohtak. The mound itself is a silent record of continuous occupation through various periods, including the Sunga, Kushan, and Gupta eras, making it a crucial source for understanding Haryana's pre-medieval history. Its location adjacent to the modern city emphasizes the continuity of habitation in the region.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 HoursPlace Type:
Archaeological Site & HeritageEntry Fees:
No Entry Fee for Site: No formal Entry Fee is charged for the mound itself as it is a protected, open site; the area is free to access during daylight hours.
Museum Fee: There might be a small nominal fee (e. g. , Rs.10-20) for entry to the M...No Entry Fee for Site: No formal Entry Fee is charged for the mound itself as it is a protected, open site; the area is free to access during daylight hours.
Museum Fee: There might be a small nominal fee (e. g. , Rs.10-20) for entry to the MDU Museum where the main artifacts are kept.
Research Permission: Formal excavation or research activities require special permits and associated fees from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).Timing:
Daylight Hours Essential: Regular Timings are essentially Sunrise to Sunset (approx. 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM), as the open site has no gates or night lighting. Ideal Visit Time is the Early Morning (8:00 AM to 11:00 AM) to avoid the midday sun and to observe the mound in clear ...Daylight Hours Essential: Regular Timings are essentially Sunrise to Sunset (approx. 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM), as the open site has no gates or night lighting. Ideal Visit Time is the Early Morning (8:00 AM to 11:00 AM) to avoid the midday sun and to observe the mound in clear light, or Late Afternoon (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) for the best light on the earth colors.Special Events:
Archaeology Camps/Seminars: Occasionally, Archaeological Seminars, Field Workshops, or Student Excavation Camps organized by the M. D. University History/Archaeology Department take place here, especially during the cool season (November to February), providing a rare chanc...Archaeology Camps/Seminars: Occasionally, Archaeological Seminars, Field Workshops, or Student Excavation Camps organized by the M. D. University History/Archaeology Department take place here, especially during the cool season (November to February), providing a rare chance to see active research.
Local Heritage Festival: Small cultural events promoting awareness of Rohtak's ancient history might be organized by the state tourism or local university departments.Best Photo Spots:
The Topographic Profile: The best spot is the Highest Point of the Mound itself, where the viewer gains a sense of the scale of the ancient city and the continuity of human habitation in the surrounding plain; excellent for panoramic shots.
The...The Topographic Profile: The best spot is the Highest Point of the Mound itself, where the viewer gains a sense of the scale of the ancient city and the continuity of human habitation in the surrounding plain; excellent for panoramic shots.
The Trench Line: Photographing the exposed Excavation Trenches at an angle that clearly shows the distinct layers (stratigraphy) of earth, telling the story of time and successive settlements.
The Juxtaposition: Capturing the ancient mound against the nearby Tomb of Firoz Khan or the modern apartment buildings, highlighting the span of history.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Surface Survey & Artifact Observation: Conduct a careful Surface Survey (observation only) of the mound to spot pottery shards and brick fragments from different cultural periods; History Trail Walk following interpretive signs (if available) detailing the periods of occupation; Photography of the mound's sheer scale, the visible layers of excavation, and the surrounding contemporary life; Visiting the nearby MDU Archaeology Museum to see the actual artifacts recovered from the site (essential step); Contemplation of the thousands of years of human history represented by the mound; Sketching the contours of the ancient city mound against the modern skyline; Discussing the significance of the Yaudheya coinage with a guide; Educational Session on the process of archaeological excavation and dating techniques; Exploring the adjacent Khokhar Fort Ruins to lin...
Information
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Why Famous:
Yaudheya Republic Capital: Famed for being historically identified as the capital of the powerful ancient Yaudheya Republic, known for their coinage and resistance to foreign invaders, giving Rohtak a deep, ancient historical root that predates medieval times.Yaudheya Republic Capital: Famed for being historically identified as the capital of the powerful ancient Yaudheya Republic, known for their coinage and resistance to foreign invaders, giving Rohtak a deep, ancient historical root that predates medieval times.
PGW Culture Association: The discovery of Painted Grey Ware pottery links the site directly to the epic age of the Mahabharata, attracting scholars and linking Rohtak to a pivotal period in Indian mythology and history. -
Architecture:
Mound Architecture and Stratigraphy: The 'architecture' is geological and archaeological, defined by its Mound Stratigraphy; the site's Dimension is a large, elevated mound (approx. 300 m×250 m) rising several meters above the surrounding plain, reflecting centuries of ...Mound Architecture and Stratigraphy: The 'architecture' is geological and archaeological, defined by its Mound Stratigraphy; the site's Dimension is a large, elevated mound (approx. 300 m×250 m) rising several meters above the surrounding plain, reflecting centuries of successive habitations.
Excavation Trenches: Visible rectangular cuts/trenches in the mound reveal the layers of ancient earth and debris (stratification), showcasing different cultural periods.
Remnants: Only foundation fragments and scattered brick/pottery pieces are visible on the surface. The architecture is primarily structural remnants of burnt brick, kiln, and mud-brick structures from various eras, providing a textbook example of an ancient Indian tell. -
How To Reach:
Proximity to Transport Hubs:
By Air: Nearest major airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi (approx. 90 KMS); hire a taxi or use frequent bus services to Rohtak.
By Train: Nearest major s... -
Near Tourist Places:
Tomb of Firoz Khan (0. 1 KMS); Khokhar Fort Ruins (0. 1 KMS); MDU Pond (3 KMS); Gokaran Tank (2 KMS); Tilyar Lake & Zoo (5 KMS); Manasarovar Park (3. 5 KMS); Asthal Bohar Math (7 KMS); Meham Fort (32 KMS); Bhindawas Lake (15 KMS); Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (6 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Archaeological Respect & Sun Protection:
Health & Safety: Wear good walking shoes, as the terrain is uneven and dusty; be cautious of the unstable edges of the mound and any excavation trenches; carry water.
Pa...
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