Fieldwork at the newly identified Bhirrana-East site in Haryana has revealed the first definitive evidence of large-scale apiculture in the Indus Valley Civilization. Archaeologists uncovered a series of specialized stone filtration vats and ceramic centrifugal basins containing heavy traces of beeswax and honey-derived sugars.
The facility was equipped with unique terracotta smoking tools and bone scrapers used for hive management. Pollen analysis suggests that the Harappans were managing hives near mustard and sesame fields, integrating honey production into their complex agricultural and trade economy. This discovery highlights a previously unknown specialized industry that likely supplied both local markets and Mesopotamian trade partners with high-value preserves.