Mehrgarh

_Site_Location_of_Mehrgarh

Seated_Mother_Goddess_,3000–2500_B.C._Pakistan_(Baluchistan)_Mehrgarh_style

MET_2003_592_2_O

Mehrgarh is an important archaeological site located in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. It is one of the earliest sites with evidence of farming and herding in South Asia, dating back to around 7000 BCE. The site is situated near the Bolan Pass, to the west of the Indus River valley and is considered a precursor to the Indus Valley Civilization.

History and Discovery

Mehrgarh was discovered in 1974 by the French archaeologist Jean-François Jarrige and his team. The site has been excavated in several phases, revealing a continuous sequence of human occupation from the Neolithic period to the Bronze Age.

Archaeological Phases

Mehrgarh is divided into several phases based on the stratigraphy and material culture:

Mehrgarh I (7000-5500 BCE)

This phase represents the earliest settlement at Mehrgarh. The inhabitants lived in mud-brick houses and practiced agriculture, growing wheat and barley, and domesticating animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. The use of microliths and stone tools was prevalent.

Mehrgarh II (5500-4800 BCE)

During this phase, the community saw advancements in pottery and craftsmanship. The pottery was often decorated with geometric patterns. The people also began to use copper tools and ornaments.

Mehrgarh III (4800-3500 BCE)

This phase marks the transition to the Chalcolithic period. The use of metallurgy became more widespread, and there was an increase in long-distance trade. The pottery became more sophisticated, and the first evidence of wheel-thrown pottery appears.

Mehrgarh IV-VII (3500-2600 BCE)

These phases show a gradual increase in complexity and urbanization. The site reveals evidence of advanced crafts, including bead-making, shell-working, and lapidary arts. The settlement expanded, and there was a significant increase in trade and cultural exchange with neighboring regions.

Significance

Mehrgarh is significant for understanding the early development of agriculture and urbanization in South Asia. It provides crucial insights into the prehistory of the Indus Valley Civilization and the broader Neolithic Revolution.

Related Pages

• Indus Valley Civilization
• Neolithic
• Chalcolithic
• Balochistan
• Jean-François Jarrige
• Archaeology