Ancient Skeleton Finds Museum Home After Six-Year Wait

After six years of being left unprotected post-excavation, a valuable ancient skeleton has been transferred to a local museum where it will be prepared for public display, showcasing the complex history of the Solanki dynasty.

A 1,000-year-old human skeleton, initially excavated in Gujarat, India, has been finally relocated to a museum after enduring six years of bureaucratic delays and exposure to the elements. Discovered by archaeologist Abhijit Ambekar, the skeleton was sitting cross-legged when it was unearthed. Previously reported by the BBC, the remains had been left in an unprotected tarpaulin shelter since 2019 due to disputes over custody.

On Thursday, this significant archaeological find was successfully transported to the Archaeological Experiential Museum in Vadnagar, just a few miles from its original excavation site. "The transfer was executed with the utmost care, monitored by experts in the field," stated Mahendra Surela, the museum's curator. The skeleton is currently fenced off near the entrance, awaiting evaluation by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) before it is officially put on display.

Surela indicated that there are plans to possibly relocate the skeleton to a second-floor exhibition area, which already features a photograph of the artifact. Ambekar, thrilled with the skeleton's move, emphasized its rarity as similar findings are noted only at three other locations in India.

This skeleton, believed to date back to the Solanki dynasty (940-1300 CE), has been well-preserved, thanks to undisturbed soil surrounding it. Experts believe it could provide valuable insight into "samadhi burials," an ancient Hindu practice where venerated individuals are buried instead of cremated. Despite its age and significance, the skeleton's journey highlights the issues within heritage management and preservation.