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Spent the day in the archeological dig at Sanauli. The finds include a two chariots, copper swords, helmet etc dating from 2300-1950 BCE. Evidence growing that Gangetic plains has a civilization contemporary to Harappan & just as advanced 1/n 
With archaeologist Sanjay Manjul looking at a warrior chief's coffin. Notice elaborate grave goods. The quality of metal work and other items is distinct from Harappan. 2/n
Notice how the bricks of this civilization do not follow Harappan standardization. 3/n
The pottery in the graves and nearby settlement are made in a style very similar to what the local potter can still make. Almost identical techniques. 4/n
Lunch at the ASI camp in Sanauli. 5/n
Copper sword found at Sanauli. It is in very good shape and first one with handle intact. The Gangetic civilization was clearly a warrior culture 6/n
This is a copper helmet. This is the oldest helmet found anywhere in the world (2200 BC) 7/n
Wooden shield with copper studs,. The wood has disintegrated but the copper has survived 8/n
Copper studs placed in the wooden chariot wheel 9/n
This is a copper chalice for ritual offerings (upside down in photo). A very similar vessel is still used for puja in eastern India (Assamese call it a "bota"). Note that base is a tutle recalling the Hindu myth of a turtle holding up the world 10/n
It is quite interesting that earliest evidence of a warlike chariot driving culture is coming from Gangetic plains and not North West. The earliest iron weapons in the world also comes from Gangetic plains & Deccan. This overturn our usual view of early Indian history. 11/n
We also need to revisit the idea that Gangetic plains were not settled when Harappans were flourishing. Many Bronze Age sites being found in Ganga basin (example Jhusi near Prayag). The problem is that their settlements were build of wood, not brick. Hence survived poorly 12/n
