Group Members

Habib ullah
Malik Ali hamza

Mehrgarh: A Window into South

Asia's Earliest Civilization
 A
Agenda
To explore the hidden
place.

And bring it into

spoitelight

For the visitors.

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 Introduction
Mehrgarh is a remarkable archaeological
site located in Balochistan, Pakistan. It
holds immense significance for our
understanding of South Asia's earliest
civilization. This presentation will delve
into the history, discoveries, and ongoing
research at Mehrgarh, offering a glimpse
into the lives of the people who lived
there thousands of years ago.

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 Location
Mehrgarh is situated in Balochistan,
Pakistan's southwestern province. The
Kacchi Plain, where it lies, is flanked
by the Bolan Pass, a vital trade route.
The Indus River, a major source of
water and life, flows to the east.
Mehrgarh's strategic location between
the mountains and the river likely
played a crucial role in its
development.

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 Discovery
The Mehrgarh site remained hidden for millennia until
1974. A French Archaeological Mission led by Jean-François
Jarrige and Catherine Jarrige made the groundbreaking
discovery. Flash floods are believed to have washed away
layers of sediment, revealing the buried settlement.

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 Excavations
the discovery, extensive excavations
began in 1974, led by a joint effort of the
French Archaeological Mission and the
Pakistani Department of Archaeology. The
excavations continued till 1986 and
resumed again from 1997 to 2000. These
efforts unearthed settlements and
artifacts spanning various periods,
providing a rich tapestry of Mehrgarh's
history.

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 Timeline

The Mehrgarh site encompasses a long

period, divided into seven phases
called Mehrgarh I to VII. Dating back to
around 7000 BCE and lasting until
roughly 2500/2000 BCE, these phases
represent the Neolithic period.
Mehrgarh offers a remarkable
opportunity to witness the gradual
transformation of a society from
hunter-gatherers to skilled farmers and
herders.

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 Early Settlement
The earliest inhabitants of Mehrgarh lived in small, round
houses built with mudbrick and reeds. They relied on
hunting wild animals and gathering wild plants for
sustenance. Archaeological evidence suggests these early
people were also adept at making tools, indicating a
capacity for innovation and adaptation.

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 Early Settlement (8000-6000 BCE)
Habitations: Imagine small, circular houses built with mudbrick and
reeds. These structures would have provided basic shelter and
protection from the elements.
Subsistence: The people of this period relied on hunting wild animals
like gazelle and ibex for meat. They also gathered wild plants such as
pistachios, jujubes, and grasses for food and other uses.
Tool Making: Archaeologists have found evidence of early tool making
at Mehrgarh. These tools, likely made from stone and bone, were
essential for hunting, gathering, and processing food. Examples might
include handaxes, scrapers, and grinding stones.

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 Transition to Farming
A significant shift occurred during the Mehrgarh period as
people began cultivating crops like wheat and barley. The
domestication of
Cultivation of wheat and barley
Domestication of sheep and goats
Shift from nomadic to settled lifestyle

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 Transition to Farming (6000-5500 BCE)
Agricultural Revolution: One of the most significant
developments at Mehrgarh was the shift towards agriculture.
People began cultivating crops like wheat and barley, marking a
crucial step towards a more settled lifestyle.
Animal Domestication: Alongside plant cultivation, the
domestication of animals like sheep and goats took place. This
provided a reliable source of meat, milk, and wool, further
supplementing their diet and resources.
Settled Lifestyle: With the development of farming and animal
husbandry, the people of Mehrgarh became less nomadic. They
started living in permanent settlements, allowing for the
development of a more complex society.

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 Advancements in Technology (5500-4500 BCE)
Flintknapping: Mehrgarh witnessed significant advancements in
flintknapping techniques. This refers to the skilled shaping of flint stone to
create sharp tools like blades and arrowheads. The precision of these tools
suggests a growing mastery over tool-making technology.
Bead Making: Evidence of early bead making has been found at
Mehrgarh. These beads, possibly made from faience (a type of glazed
ceramic), were likely used for decoration and adornment, hinting at the
emergence of a sense of aesthetics and social differentiation.
Basketry: Impressions of woven baskets have been found on some of the
Mehrgarh pottery. This suggests that basketry was a well-developed skill,
used for storage, transportation, and possibly even food preparation.

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 Arts and Crafts (4500-3800 BCE)
Pottery: Mehrgarh is famous for its well-preserved pottery.
Early examples were handmade and decorated with simple
geometric patterns. Over time, potters developed more
intricate designs and techniques, including firing in kilns. The
pottery provides valuable insights into their daily lives and
artistic expressions.
Figurines: Small terracotta figurines, often depicting female
figures, have been unearthed at Mehrgarh. The purpose of
these figurines remains unclear, but they may have been
used for religious purposes, fertility symbols, or even toys.
Seals and Amulets: Engraved seals and amulets made
from faience have also been found. Seals may have been
used for marking ownership or identification, while amulets
might have served as protective charms.

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 Key Points
Discovered in 1974, Mehrgarh's history spans from around
7000 BCE to 2500/2000 BCE (Neolithic Period).
Strategically situated near the Bolan Pass and the Indus
River, Mehrgarh flourished as a trade center.
Excavations unearthed settlements, tools, and artifacts
revealing a gradual shift from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to
farming and herding practices.
Mehrgarh provides a window into the lives of these early
people, their technological advancements, and artistic
expressions.

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 HABIB ULLAH

Thank CU-2066-2021
you MALIK ALI HAMZA

CU-2059-2021