HARAPPA LINK IN GOLD-RUSH FARM 

New Delhi, June 16 :    New Delhi, June 16:  The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) believes that the treasures dug out of a farm in Uttar Pradesh could date back to the Harappan civilisation. A farmer in Mandi, a speck of a village in Muzaffarnagar district in Uttar Pradesh, found gold coins weighing around 10 kg along with other treasures while tilling his land. The news of the find sparked a mad gold rush, forcing the police to seal the land. The newly-appointed ASI director-general, Komal Anand, told a news conference today that the find, including pottery, gold, onyx beads and bricks, could date back to 2000 BC. Anand pointed to the 'exciting, wonderful discoveries in Uttar Pradesh in recent months'. Other than Mandi, a hoard of 31 copper anthromorphs, thought to be a cult figure, was found in a brick kiln at Madarpur in Moradabad district two months ago. Some of these anthromorphs are distinctive in that they have one arm raised instead of both arms hanging down. These have also been dated to 2000 BC. Archaeological survey officials said that the presence of ochre coloured pottery suggests that the treasure trove could belong to the Harappan age. Initially, some archaeologists in the state had said that the site had Kushan associations. Kushan bricks have indeed been found at the Mandi site. However, some cautious archaeologists label Mandi as mature Harappan and the Madarpur 'copper hoard' as post-mature Harappan. There is no doubt, however, that the chance discoveries have great antiquity. It is presumed that much of the gold and other treasures have been removed by the villagers already. Some others are lying in the local treasury. The ASI has requested the district administration to acquire the treasures and have them sent to ASI. The ASI has also asked for an acre of land in the area to begin excavations. The dig is likely to begin this year after the monsoon. However, the mound where the treasures have been found has been razed, thus destroying valuable evidence. The archaeologists are hopeful, nevertheless, of significant findings. They are also excited over their finds in and around Fatehpur Sikri. Emperor Akbar's summer quarters under a water body is said to be a major discovery.