34 Forgotten Ancient Ruins That Deserve More Attention

22. Rakhigarhi, India: The Forgotten Giant of the Indus Valley

Often overshadowed by its better-known cousins, Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, Rakhigarhi is actually one of the largest sites of the Indus Valley Civilization—and perhaps the most revealing. Located in Haryana, India, this vast settlement thrived over 5,000 years ago and showcases the urban planning and social complexity of one of the world’s earliest civilizations. Archaeologists have uncovered wide streets laid in grid patterns, evidence of sewage and water systems, granaries, and well-crafted pottery. Recent discoveries, including burial sites and genetic material, have added new chapters to the understanding of South Asia's prehistoric past. Despite its size and significance, Rakhigarhi remains largely absent from popular discourse. For those who make the journey, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to stand at the birthplace of organized city life in the Indian subcontinent—and to witness history that is still in the process of being unearthed.