Varanasi, Aug. 5 -- In a landmark scientific initiative launched today at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), researchers have commenced an in-depth genetic and bio-archaeological study on a complete human skeleton recovered from Rajghat, a prominent archaeological site nestled in the middle Ganga Valley.

The project aims to answer profound questions regarding the genetic identity, lifestyle, and dietary habits of the ancient inhabitants of Kashi, while offering a direct comparative window into how they relate genetically to the people of the Indus Valley Civilisation (Rakhigarhi).

Situated at the north-eastern edge of Varanasi near the holy confluence of the Ganga and Varuna rivers, Rajghat was first discovered in 1940 during the expansion...