Shereen Ratnagar: A Pioneer in Indus Valley Archaeology

Shereen Ratnagar, a leading archaeologist renowned for her work on the Indus Valley Civilization, passed away in Mumbai at 82. Known for her empirical approach to Harappan history, she authored influential studies on its trade networks and social dynamics. Ratnagar also served as an expert witness in the Ayodhya title suit.

Shereen Ratnagar, a celebrated figure in the field of archaeology and a key authority on the Indus Valley Civilization, has died at the age of 82 in Mumbai after a brief illness. Her family confirmed her passing.

Ratnagar was a distinguished scholar who dedicated her career to unraveling the complexities of the Harappan civilization. Educated at leading institutions in India and the UK, Ratnagar's research focused extensively on Harappan trade, social structures, and urban development. Her influential works include 'Encounters: The Westerly Trade of the Harappa Civilization' and 'Understanding Harappa: Civilization of the Indus'.

Beyond her scholarly contributions, Ratnagar was known for challenging dominant historical narratives, as seen in her involvement with the Ayodhya title suit, where she contested findings about the site's archaeological past. Her critiques often positioned her against prevailing ideologies, marking her as a prominent voice in debates about politics and archaeology.