Surkotada

Surkotada is an archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization in Gujarat, India.

Overview

Surkotada is a small fortified Harappan settlement in Gujarat’s Kutch district. It is notable for providing the first confirmed evidence of horse remains at an Indus Valley site, though this identification remains debated.

Historical Context

Excavated by J.P. Joshi (1972–1976) under the ASI, Surkotada was occupied during the Mature Harappan period (c. 2000–1700 BCE), placing it in the later phase of the civilization. The site sits on a rocky ridge and was enclosed by a fortification wall with bastions.

Features/Significance

The most significant find is a set of equid remains initially identified as horse bones (Equus caballus), which if confirmed would be the earliest evidence of horse domestication at an Indus site. The identification has been both supported and challenged by subsequent studies. The site also yielded typical Harappan pottery, a cemetery with urn burials, and stone weights.

Modern Status

A protected ASI monument. The site is partially excavated and not heavily visited. Key finds are in the ASI museum at Bhuj.

Verification Notes

• Horse-bone identification: Joshi (1984), later contested by some scholars.
• ASI excavations, 1972–1976.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).