India’s oldest sites vary by category, with the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters (Madhya Pradesh) holding the oldest known prehistoric art (Paleolithic), while Bhirrana (Haryana) is the earliest Indus Valley Civilization site (c. 757-6200 BCE). For Neolithic settlement, Mehrgarh (Balochistan, Pakistan, but crucial to South Asian context) dates to the 7th millennium BCE.

Oldest Evidence of Human Activity (Prehistoric)

Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Madhya Pradesh: These UNESCO-listed shelters contain some of the world’s oldest rock art, with evidence of early human occupation stretching back over 100,000 years, showing Paleolithic life.

Oldest Indus Valley Civilization Site

Bhirrana, Haryana: Radiocarbon dating places Bhirrana as the earliest discovered Indus Valley site, predating other major settlements like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.

Oldest Neolithic/Agricultural Settlement

Mehrgarh, Balochistan (Pakistan): While technically in Pakistan, Mehrgarh is foundational to South Asian archaeology, showing the beginnings of agriculture and settled village life around the 7th millennium BCE, making it the oldest known Neolithic site in the broader subcontinent.

Oldest Living City

Vadnagar, Gujarat: Deep excavations suggest a continuous settlement here from at least 800 BCE, making it one of India’s oldest living cities within a single fortification.

Oldest Stone Structures/Monuments

Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh: One of India’s oldest surviving stone structures, built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.

In essence, Bhimbetka shows the earliest human presence, Bhirrana the earliest major civilization, and Sanchi the oldest significant stone construction.