Mehrgarh Civilization

The Mehrgarh Civilization, which dates to around 7000 BC, is one of the oldest known Neolithic sites in South Asia, located in present-day Balochistan, Pakistan. This archaeological site is of great importance for understanding human history, showing the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities. Notable for its evidence of early agriculture, animal domestication, and pottery production, Mehrgarh provides a crucial insight into the development of human civilization. Excavations at the site have revealed evidence of sophisticated social structures, agricultural practices, and technological advances, adding substantially to our understanding of ancient human lifestyles and cultural development in the Indian subcontinent. Mehrgarh stands as a key archaeological site that offers valuable information about prehistoric times and the dawn of human civilization.

Mehrgarh Civilization

Historical Facts	Mehrgarh Civilization
Time Period	Approximately 7000-2500 BCE
Location	Balochistan, Pakistan
Significance	Period
Agriculture	Domestication of wheat, barley, and cattle
Social Structure	Likely had a tribal or clan-based organization
Technology	Pottery, small-scale metallurgy, and early use of mud-brick construction
Artifacts	Intricate pottery, terracotta figurines, and jewelry
Trade	Evidence of long-distance trade with regions like Afghanistan
Decline	The earliest known agricultural settlement in South Asia

Introduction

Mehrgarh is the oldest agricultural settlement in the Indian subcontinent Agricultural Neolithic settlement. Although it was an agricultural settlement, it used only stone tools and was therefore placed in the Neolithic culture. It flourished in the seventh millennium BC. Mehrgarh is the cradle of human civilization in South Asia, with evidence of human habitation dating back to around 7000 BC. It provides a window into the early stages of human development in the region. The civilization existed in what is now Pakistan and western India around 5000 BC. It is located in the Kachi region of the Baluchistan province of Pakistan, at the foothills of the Kirthar mountain range, which runs parallel to the coast of the Arabian Sea. The plain was fertile and an ideal place for agriculture and ranching. The civilization has seven main stages of development, covering around 2500 years. The Mehrgarh culture is considered to be the forerunner of the Indus Valley Civilization, which developed around 2600 BC in the same region.

Location of Mehrgarh Civilization

Mehrgarh is located on the Bolan River, a tributary of the Indus, on the eastern edge of the Baluchistan Plateau, overlooking the Indus Plain.

Mehrgarh Civilization Excavation

Mehrgarh was excavated continuously between 1974 and 1986 and again from 1997 to 2000. Archaeological material was found in six barrows, and about 32,000 artifacts were collected from the site.

Inventors of the Mehrgarh Civilization

The Mehrgarh Civilization was discovered in 1974 by a French archaeological mission led by French archaeologists Jean-Francois Jarrige and his wife Catherine Jarrige.

Archaeologists Associated with the Mehrgarh Civilization

Among the most prominent archaeologists associated with the Mehrgarh Civilization are Richard Meadow, Jonathan Mark Kenoyer, Gregory Possehl, Farzand Masih, Asma Ibrahim, Jean-François Jarrige, Dorothy A.E. Garrod, G.L. Possehl, and M. Amjad Ali. Meadow et al. (2019) conducted a comprehensive review of the evidence at the archaeological site of Mehrgarh. These scholars mainly debate four issues:

(1) Dating of Mehrgarh

One of the major controversies surrounding Mehrgarh is the dating of the site. Some experts believe that Mehrgarh was first settled in the 7th millennium BC. Others claim it was first settled in the 5th millennium BC.

(2) Origin of Mehrgarh

Another major controversy surrounding Mehrgarh is its origin. Some experts believe that Mehrgarh was a local development, while others argue that it was an external migration.

(3) Location of Mehrgarh

There is also some debate about the exact location of Mehrgarh. While some claim it was located in the Baluchistan province of Pakistan, others suggest it was located in the Indus Valley region.

(4) Cultural Connections

There is also some debate about Mehrgarh’s cultural connections with other early civilizations, such as the Indus Valley Civilization. Some experts believe that there were strong ties between the two cultures, while others argue that there were no such ties.

Chronology of the Mehrgarh Civilization

It is important to note that the exact dates of the Mehrgarh civilization can be difficult to determine due to the nature of the archaeological evidence and the lack of written records from the time. The dates and phases of the Mehrgarh civilization are approximate and subject to some variation among different researchers and sources. Mehrgarh provides a snapshot of the developmental stage of human civilization in the region. The culture that existed in Mehrgarh during its period of occupation, from about 7,000 BC to 2,500 BC, is referred to as the Pre-Indus Valley Civilization culture, meaning that it predates the better-known Indus Valley Civilization that developed in the same area. Mehrgarh’s importance to understanding the Indus Valley lies in its almost unparalleled preservation of pre-Indus societies. –

• (1) Aceramic Neolithic foundation 7000–5500 BC,
• (2) Neolithic period II 5500 to 4800 (16 ha),
• (3) Chalcolithic period III 4800 to 3500 (9 ha),
• (4) Chalcolithic period IV, 32500 BC
• (5) Chalcolithic V 3250 to 3000 (18 ha),
• (6) Chalcolithic VI, 3000 to 2800,
• (7) Chalcolithic VII—Early Bronze Age, 2800–2600

Decisive Factors for the Development of the Mehrgarh Civilization

Geography and availability of water are critical factors for the development of civilization, and Mehrgarh’s location on the western edge of the Indus River plain provides access to water for irrigation as well as a transportation network for trade. The mountains to the west of Mehrgarh also provided a source of valuable resources, such as copper, and provided protection from invaders. Mehrgarh’s location at the foot of the Kirthar Mountains and on the edge of the Indus River plain thus provided the people of this civilization with access to valuable resources as well as a supportive environment for the development of their advanced agricultural and technological practices. The area around Mehrgarh is semi-arid and receives very little rainfall, making agriculture dependent on irrigation. They built an advanced irrigation system to help them. Taking advantage of the fertile land and water from nearby rivers helped create a reliable and productive agricultural system that was the backbone of their economy and society.

Periods of Mehrgarh Civilization

Mehrgarh culture has been divided into 8 sub-periods and following are the important features of these sub-periods:

(1) First Period of Mehrgarh Civilization

The earliest period of Mehrgarh is characterized by polished stone tools, microliths, and bone tools. At this stage, the subsistence economy consisted of a combination of hunting, animal husbandry, and plant cultivation. Domesticated animals include cattle, sheep, goats and water buffalo, while cultivated plants include several varieties of wheat and barley. The houses were built of mud and mud bricks. Several rooms without doors are thought to have been used to store grain. The dead were buried under the floors of houses where people lived. Some of the skeletons that were buried were found sprinkled with red ocher. Necklaces of steatite microspheres were also found in the graves along with turquoise, lapis lazuli and seashell beads, stone axes and microliths. In two cases, the bodies of young goats were also found. There was no pottery at this stage, but bitumen-coated baskets were used.

(2) Second Period of Mehrgarh Civilization

This period has left evidence of handmade, coarse ware pressed into baskets. Circular pottery painted in reddish and black colors with simple straight and curved lines, rows of dots and crosses was created. Sickles made of stone blades, set diagonally into wooden handles with the adhesive material bitumen, could be used for harvesting. Metal technology began, evident from the discovery of the copper ring and bead. Terracotta human figurines and bracelets also appear.

(3) Third Period of Mehrgarh Civilization

Improved farming around 3000 BC is evident from a new variety of barley, viz. Hordeum sphaerococcum, which can only be grown in irrigated fields. The presence of cotton seeds indicates the possibility of using this fiber for textile production. Vessels were now decorated with paintings of birds and animals as well as geometric patterns. Oats and another variety of wheat were added to agriculture. The production of stone beads and copper smelting began.

(4) Fourth Period of Mehrgarh Civilization

The emergence of polychrome Pottery with a tall cup with a wide mouth and a base as a new shape. Extensive use of wood in house construction, female terracotta figurines with overhanging breasts, and stamped terracotta and bone seals Origination of business transactions.

(5) Fifth Period of the Mehrgarh Civilization

A marked decline in polychrome decoration on pottery

(6) Sixth Period of the Mehrgarh Civilization

Dramatic increase in pottery styles and the first evidence of pottery kilns Patterns of pipal leaves and humped bull appear on the pottery, anticipating Harappan motifs. The proliferation of terracotta figurines, improved female figurines.

(7) Seventh Period Mehrgarh Civilization

The richness and variety of terracotta figurines are very similar to the Indus Valley Civilization. The medial parting of the hair suggests a popular practice among Hindu women. Terracotta bulls with distinctive shoes and rams made of alabaster Designs of swastikas, cross shapes and running animals on terracotta figurines. The emergence of monumental architecture is visible from the large brick platform.

(8) Eighth Period Mehrgarh Civilization

Structured graves, semi-precious stone beads, and bronze hatchet axe. Handmade cigar brick buildings with fireplaces, stone blade making using flint, composite sticks, whetstones, bone tools, pottery, etc.

History of Mehrgarh Civilization

• (1) Mehrgarh is the oldest known site in South Asia, showing evidence of agriculture and pastoralism. It was influenced by the Neolithic culture of the Near East, with similarities between “domesticated varieties of wheat, early stages of agriculture, pottery, other archaeological artefacts, some domesticated plants and herds of animals”. According to Asko Parpol, the culture migrated to the Indus Valley and became the Indus Valley Civilization of the Bronze Age.
• (2) Jean-François Jarrige argues for an independent origin for Mehrgarh. Jarrige notes “the assumption that an agricultural economy was introduced fully from the Near East to South Asia” and the similarities between Neolithic sites from eastern Mesopotamia and the western Indus Valley as evidence of a “cultural continuum” between the sites. However, given the originality of Mehrgarh, Jarrige concludes that Mehrgarh has an earlier local background” and is not a “backwater” Neolithic culture in the Near East.
• (3) Lukacs and Hemphill suggest the initial local development of Mehrgarh, with continuity in cultural development but population change. According to Lukacs and Hemphill, while there is strong continuity between the Neolithic and Chalcolithic culture of Mehrgarh, dental evidence shows that the Chalcolithic population did not derive from the Neolithic population of Mehrgarh, which “suggests intermediate levels of gene flow”. They wrote that “direct lineal descendants of the Neolithic inhabitants of Mehrgarh can be found to the south and east of Mehrgarh, Pakistan in northwestern India, and on the western edge of the Deccan Plateau”, with Neolithic Mehrgarh showing greater affinities with Chalcolithic Inamgaon, south of Mehrgarh, than with Chalcolithic Mehrgarh.
• (4) Gallego Romero et al. (2011) state that their research on lactose tolerance in India suggests that “the West Eurasian genetic contribution identified by Reich et al. (2009) basically reflects gene flow from Pakistan, Iran and the Middle East.” Gallego Romero notes that Indians who are lactose tolerant show a genetic pattern for this tolerance that is “characteristic of a common European mutation”. According to Romero, this suggests that “the most common lactose tolerance mutation caused a two-way migration from the Near East less than 10,000 years ago. While the mutation spread across Europe, another explorer must have brought the mutation east to India—probably traveling along the Persian Gulf coast, where other pockets of the same mutation were found.” They further note that “the earliest evidence of cattle grazing in South Asia comes from a river valley in the Indus at Mehrgarh and is dated to 7000 YBP”.

Lifestyle and Technology of the Mehrgarh Civilization

The early inhabitants of Mehrgarh lived in adobe houses, stored grain in granaries, made tools from the local copper ore, and lined their large basket vessels with bitumen. They grew six-row barley, single-grain and double-grain wheat, jujubes, and dates, and grazed sheep, goats and cattle. The inhabitants of the later period (5500 BC to 2600 BC) devoted much effort to crafts, including flint, tanning, bead making, and metalworking. Mehrgarh is probably the oldest known center of agriculture in South Asia. The oldest known example of the lost wax technique comes from a 6,000-year-old copper wheel-shaped amulet found at Mehrgarh. The amulet was made of unalloyed copper, an unusual innovation that was later abandoned.

Agricultural Revolution at Mehrgarh

Mehrgarh is an important place to understand the origin of agriculture in South Asia. Excavations at Mehrgarh have provided evidence of early agricultural practices, including the cultivation of wheat, barley, and other crops, as well as the domestication of animals such as sheep, goats and cattle. There is dominant evidence for the domestication of plants and animals in the region.

Technological Advances at Mehrgarh

Mehrgarh is known for its advanced pottery and metalworking techniques, which were well developed at the time of its peak occupation. Discovery of metal objects such as beads, bracelets, and other decorative items on site. It is a known fact that flint tooth drills were used to fill cavities in teeth beginning in 9000 BC and lasted for 1500 years until the technique was lost. The inhabitants of Mehrgarh were well acquainted with thin-diameter circular pottery. Archaeologists have named Mehrgarh pottery ‘Togau Ware’. These types of pottery were developed in many stages and the first contain exotic animal motifs on the inner edges; however, in the later stages of civilization, the motifs became strangely basic. There also seems to be a visible development in pottery production, as at first pottery was produced in small numbers; later it began to be produced in higher numbers. The construction of some of the replicas discovered in the ruins of Mehrgarh suggests that these people were aware of the lost wax casting process used to reproduce metal statues (typically silver, gold, brass, or bronze) that are cast from the original statue.

Trade and Cultural Exchange: Mehrgarh was located at the crossroads of important trade routes, and artifacts and materials from other cultures have been found at the site. This suggests that the people of Mehrgarh had contact with other cultures and were involved in trade and cultural exchange.

Artifacts of the Mehrgarh Civilization

(1) Human figurines

The earliest ceramic figurines in South Asia were found at Mehrgarh. They occur in all phases of settlement and were prevalent even before pottery appeared. The earliest figurines are quite simple and do not show complex features. However, over time, they grow in sophistication, and around 4000 BC begin to show their characteristic hairstyles and typical prominent breasts. All figurines up to this period were female. Male figurines appear only from the VII period and gradually multiply. Many of the female figurines hold children and have been interpreted as depictions of a “mother goddess”. However, due to some difficulty in convincingly identifying these figurines with “mother goddesses”, some scholars prefer to use the term “female figurines of probable cultic significance”.

(2) Pottery

Mehrgarh painted pottery. 3000-2500 BC. Evidence of ceramics comes from the period II. In Period III, finds with the introduction of the potter’s circle are much more abundant and show more complex patterns as well as animal motifs. Characteristic female figurines appear from Period IV onwards, and finds show more complex patterns and sophistication. Patterns of pipal leaves are used in decoration from the VI period. Some sophisticated firing techniques were used from Periods VI and VII, and an area dedicated to the pottery industry was found on Mound MR1. By Period VIII, however, the quality and complexity of designs seems to have suffered due to mass production and the growing interest in bronze and copper vessels.

(3) Burials

There are two types of burials at the Mehrgarh site. There were individual burials where one individual was enclosed in narrow mud walls and mass burials with thin mud brick walls in which the skeletons of six different individuals were discovered. Bodies in collective burials were kept in a bent position and were laid from east to west. Children’s bones were found in large containers or urns (4000–3300 BC).

(4) Metallurgy

Metal finds date as far back as the IIB period, with a few copper objects.

Dentistry at Mehrgarh

• (1) A recent study at Mehrgarh has shown that during Period III, people used bead-making techniques to experiment with dentistry; caries in humans is a direct result of dependence on agriculture. Researchers examining burials in the MR3 cemetery discovered holes in at least eleven stools. Light microscopy showed that the holes were conical, cylindrical, or trapezoidal in shape. A few had concentric rings with drill marks and a few had some signs of decay. No fill material was noted, but tooth wear on the drill marks suggests that each of these individuals continued to live after drilling was completed.
• (2) Coppa and colleagues (2006) pointed out that only four of eleven teeth contained clear evidence of caries associated with drilling; however, drilled teeth are all molars located in the back of both the lower and upper jaws and are therefore unlikely to have been drilled for decorative purposes. Flint drills are a signature tool from Mehrgarh, mostly used in bead making. The scientists conducted experiments and found that a flint drill attached to a bow drill could make similar holes in human enamel in less than a minute. Of course, these modern experiments were not used on living people.
• (3) Dental techniques were discovered on only 11 teeth out of a total of 3880 examined from 225 individuals, so tooth drilling was a rare occurrence and appears to have been a short-lived experiment as well. Although the MR3 cemetery contains younger skeletal material (up to the Chalcolithic), no evidence for tooth drilling later than 4500 BC has been found.

The Idea of ​​Holy in Mehrgarh Civilization

• (1) The Mehrgarh Civilization is one of the oldest known human settlements where people believed in life after death and the idea of ​​holiness. The people of this civilization are believed to have been primarily farmers and herders, and there is little concrete evidence of their religious beliefs or practices. However, some scholars believe that the people of Mehrgarh may have worshiped a mother goddess, based on the discovery of female figurines at some of their archaeological sites.
• (2) They are also known to have buried the dead with grave goods and believed in an afterlife. They are also believed to have been polytheistic and had a pantheon of gods and goddesses representing the elements and forces of nature. But no specific information is available about the Mehrgarh religion. More research is needed to understand the religious beliefs and practices of the people of this ancient civilization.
• (3) Elaborate tooled human tombs have been discovered at Mehrgarh, which shows that these people believed in the afterlife, which also means they had religious beliefs. Amulets from Mehrgarh contain a sun motif, suggesting that the people who made them may have been sun worshipers like many other ancient agrarian communities who relied on the sun to grow and sustain crops. In many ancient agrarian communities, such as Mehrgarh, female figures with protruding breasts and intricate pelvises represent fertility. Female figures holding infants represented the desire for large numbers of human and animal offspring to support the development of agriculture
• (4) Many of the figures have bird faces, suggesting the idea of ​​celestial (in the sky) divine natural forces supporting agriculture. Intricate, probably feathered headdresses add to the conjectures about likely bird god concepts. In addition to the headgear, the characters have perfectly styled hair. Vermilion is still applied to the lips of married Hindu women and large necklaces composed of beads, stones, and probably gold are worn by female figures.
• (5) The Mehrgarh civilization is known for its advanced farming and pastoral practices, as well as sophisticated ceramic and metal products. The Mehrgarhs domesticated plants and animals during the Neolithic. plants and animals. They were skilled farmers, growing a variety of crops such as wheat, barley, peas and lentils and raising goats, cattle and sheep. Evidence of irrigation systems and the use of the plow also indicate a well-developed agricultural system.
• (6) The people of Mehrgarh also had a rich and varied ceramic tradition, producing pottery of various shapes and sizes, decorated with geometric patterns as well as human and animal figures. They were also skilled metalworkers, making tools and ornaments from copper and bronze.
• (7) Mehrgarh is also known for its sophisticated architecture, with evidence of mud brick houses and a large fortified settlement. The Mehrgarh people also had trade contact with the Indus Valley Civilization and other neighboring cultures, as evidenced by the diverse materials found at their sites. Overall, the Mehrgarh civilization had a well-developed culture, suggesting a highly organized society with specialization of labor and division of tasks. Moreover, their ceramics and metalwork, as well as their architectural designs and agricultural practices, all demonstrate a high degree of skill and sophistication.

Language and script of the Mehrgarh civilization

The Mehrgarh civilization left no written records, so it is not known for certain what language(s) the people of Mehrgarh spoke. Therefore, we cannot say with certainty what the language of Mehrgarh was. It is thought that the people of Mehrgarh may have spoken a precursor to the Dravidian languages ​​that are still spoken today in southern India and parts of Pakistan. However, this is only a theory, and there is no concrete evidence to support it. Other scholars suggest that the Mehrgarh language may have been related to the later Indus script that was used by the Indus Valley Civilization that followed the Mehrgarh Civilization, but it remains unsolved. Due to the lack of written records and decipherable inscriptions, it is difficult to say for sure what the Mehrgarh language was, but it is likely that it was an early form of a language still spoken in the region at the time, or it could be a completely different language that lost over time.

Art, Dance, and Music of Mehrgarh Civilization

• (1) The Mehrgarh civilization was known for its sophisticated ceramic and metal arts. The people of Mehrgarh developed a rich and varied ceramic tradition, producing pottery of various shapes and sizes, decorated with geometric patterns as well as human and animal figures. Some of the pottery was decorated with intricate designs using a technique called “finer paste”, which was made from clay that was finely ground and sieved, resulting in high-quality, fine-grained pottery. “Pottery with Flint Tools on Copper Blades at Nausharo (Industrial Civilization, 2500 BC)”.
• (2) There is limited information and concrete evidence about dance and music in the Mehrgarh civilization. No specific artifacts or structures have been found that directly indicate that dance and music played a significant role in their society or culture.
• (3) However, it is likely that music and dance were an important aspect of the culture and life of the Mehrgarh people, as they were with many ancient civilizations. Dance and music were often used in rituals and ceremonies as a way of celebrating and giving thanks to the gods and to mark important events such as birth and harvest. The figurines and sculptures found at Mehrgarh, depicting human and animal figures, indicate an artistic tradition of the civilization, so it is possible that dance was part of this tradition.
• (4) The evidence from Mehrgarh is limited, and the culture and society of Mehrgarh may have been very different from what we expect, so it is difficult to say with certainty what role dance and music played. They played in their society without further research or discovery.

Artisans of Mehrgarh

The people of Mehrgarh were also skilled metal workers and made tools and ornaments from copper and bronze. They also created intricate jewelry, beads, and other decorative items. Some of these metal objects were decorated with intricate patterns and designs that showed their skill and knowledge in metalworking. In addition, some figurines and sculptures have been found in Mehrgarh, which are evidence of the civilization’s artistic tradition. They depict a wide variety of characters and objects, including animals, people, and other objects such as vessels and weapons. These figurines and statues are considered religious in nature and may be used in rituals or ceremonies. The people of Mehrgarh had a refined artistic taste and decorated their jewelry, pottery, and objects with animal, solar, geometric, and floral motifs, as well as using ore to produce colorful paints. Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious stone that was used as a symbol of trade between Baluchistan and Central Asia. The use of gold as a precious metal is evidenced by the yellow color applied to the jewelry of the female figures. Overall, the art of the Mehrgarh civilization demonstrates a high degree of skill and creativity and provides insight into the beliefs and values ​​of the civilization and the importance they placed on arts and crafts in their society.

The economy of Mehrgarh Civilization

• (1) The economy of Mehrgarh Civilization was primarily based on agriculture and pastoralism. The people of Mehrgarh were skilled farmers, growing a variety of crops such as wheat, barley, peas,and lentils. They also raised sheep, goats, and cattle, and evidence of irrigation systems and plows suggests a well-developed agricultural system. Mehrgarh was also known for its sophisticated pottery and metalwork, which probably played an important role in its economy. They produced ceramics of various shapes and sizes, decorated with geometric patterns and human and animal figures, they were also skilled metalworkers, making tools and ornaments from copper and bronze. These goods probably played a role in trade with neighboring cultures.
• (2) The Mehrgarh civilization also had a complex and diverse society with specialization in labor, as evidenced by the presence of various artisans and specialized workers such as potters, metalworkers, and weavers. This may indicate a division of labor and a market economy. Overall, the economy of the Mehrgarh civilization was primarily based on agriculture but also relied on craft production and trade to provide a diverse range of goods and services. Their economy suggests a well-organized and complex system of production and distribution of goods and services that provide support for a highly developed civilization.

Continuity of human occupation

Mehrgarh was continuously inhabited for approximately 4,500 years, making it one of the longest-lived settlements in the ancient world. This continuity of occupation provides an important record of human development and change over time. The people of Mehrgarh are believed to have been farmers and pastoralists who were also skilled in pottery and metalworking. They were probably settled people with complex social and economic organization. The people of Mehrgarh were probably of various ethnic origins; various studies suggest that it could be a mix of migrants and locals. The people of Mehrgarh had contact with other cultures and were involved in trade and cultural exchange. Some of the artifacts found at the site are from the Iranian Plateau, Turkmenistan, and other areas. However, much about the Mehrgarh people remains a mystery, as there are limited written records and most information about their culture comes from archeology and artifacts, which can only give us a limited insight into their lives.

Similarities between Mehrgarh and Ancient Civilizations in Iran and Central Asia

Due to geographical proximity, there are similarities between Mehrgarh and ancient civilizations in Iran and Central Asia in several ways:

(1) Agricultural Practices

Both Mehrgarh and the ancient civilizations of Iran and Central Asia relied heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods. All were engaged in the cultivation of wheat and barley, as well as the domestication of animals such as sheep and goats.

(2) Pottery

Mehrgarh is known for its advanced ceramic techniques, and similar pottery has been found in ancient civilizations in Iran and Central Asia. The similarities in the pottery suggest that there may have been a common pottery-making tradition in the region.

(3) Metalworking

The people of Mehrgarh were skilled metalworkers and made various metal articles like beads and bangles. Similarly, ancient civilizations in Iran and Central Asia were known for their metalworking skills and produced a variety of metal objects.

(4) Trade

Mehrgarh was located at the crossroads of important trade routes,and ancient civilizations in Iran and Central Asia were also heavily involved in trade. Artifacts and materials from other cultures have been found in Mehrgarh, indicating that the people of Mehrgarh had contact with other cultures and were involved in trade and cultural exchange.

(5) Continuity of occupation

Mehrgarh was continuously occupied for approximately 4,500 years, and ancient civilizations in Iran and Central Asia also had a long history of human occupation. This continuity of occupation provides an important record of human development and change over time.

Similarities between Mehrgarh and the Indus Civilization

Mehrgarh and the Indus Civilization were similar in several ways. However, it is important to note that the similarities are general and there were also cultural and chronological differences. For example, the Indus Valley Civilization was more urban and developed a writing system, which was not the case with Mehrgarh.

(1) Location

Both Mehrgarh and the Indus Civilization were located in the same area, in what is now Pakistan and northwestern India. Mehrgarh is considered one of the earliest sites of the Indus Civilization and was occupied before the Indus Civilization proper.

(2) Agriculture

Both the Mehrgarh and Indus civilizations relied heavily on agriculture for livelihood. Both were involved in the cultivation of wheat and barley as well as the domestication of animals such as sheep and goats.

(3) Pottery

Both the Mehrgarh and Indus civilizations produced various types of pottery and advanced pottery-making techniques.

(4) Metalworking

Both Mehrgarh and the Indus Civilization were skilled metalworkers and produced various metal objects like beads and bangles.

(5) Trade

Both Mehrgarh and the Indus civilizations were involved in trade and had contact with other cultures. Artifacts and materials from other cultures have been found at Mehrgarh and Indus Civilization sites, indicating that people of both cultures were involved in trade and cultural exchange.

(6) Urbanization

The Indus civilization was more urban and developed than the Mehrgarh culture. The Indus Civilization had well-planned cities with advanced drainage and water supply systems, while Mehrgarh was more rural and less developed.

(7) Scenario

The Indus civilization had a writing system, which was not the case with Mehrgarh. Overall, Mehrgarh is considered an early precursor to the Indus Civilization, with many similarities in agriculture, technology, and trade but also important differences such as the level of urbanization and written language.

important Mehrgarh civilization

Mehrgarh remains an important site for researchers working on the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods of South Asia, as it was continuously inhabited from about 7000 BC to 2500 BC. Excavations at the site have revealed evidence of early agricultural and pastoral practices, as well as evidence of pottery and metalworking. The site also contains a number of burials and architectural remains. The civilization thus provides the most significant evidence for understanding the development of early human civilization in the region.

Achievements of the Mehrgarh Civilization

The Mehrgarh civilization made a number of important contributions to human civilization. Some of the most notable contributions include:

(1) Agriculture

The people of Mehrgarh were skilled farmers, and their advanced agricultural practices, including irrigation and the use of ploughs, helped lay the foundation for the development of agriculture in the region.

(2) Pottery and metalwork

The people of Mehrgarh developed a rich and varied ceramic tradition, producing pottery of various shapes and sizes, decorated with geometric patterns as well as human and animal figures. They were also skilled metalworkers, making tools and ornaments from copper and bronze, which played an important role in their economy.

(3) Architecture

Mehrgarh is also known for its sophisticated architecture, with evidence of adobe houses and a large fortified settlement, proving the high degree of skill and organization in their society.

(4) Social Organization

Mehrgarh society was highly organized, with specialization of labor and division of tasks, indicating a level of social complexity that was unusual at the time.

(5) Trade

The Mehrgarh civilization had trade contact with the Indus Valley civilization and other neighboring cultures, as evidenced by the diverse materials found at their sites. These trade networks helped connect people and cultures across large regions.

All these contributions are essential to the development of civilization and agriculture; ceramics, metalwork, and architecture, as well as building trade networks, all contributed to laying the foundations for the further development of human civilization in the region.

Conclusion

In April 2006, the scientific journal Nature reported that the oldest (and first early Neolithic) evidence in human history of tooth drilling in a living human was found at Mehrgarh. Mehrgarh is now considered to be the forerunner of the Indus Valley Civilization. “The discoveries at Mehrgarh changed the whole concept of the Indus Civilization.”

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