Early Harappan Culture: Features

The early Harappan culture, also known as the pre-Harappan or the Early Indus Valley culture, emerged around 5500 BCE and lasted until 2600 BCE. It was characterized by several distinct features that provide insights into the social, economic, and cultural aspects of this ancient civilization.

1. Settlements:
- The early Harappan culture witnessed the establishment of several urban settlements, including Mehrgarh, Kot Diji, and Amri.
- These settlements were strategically located near rivers, indicating the importance of agriculture in their economy.

2. Agricultural Practices:
- Agriculture formed the backbone of the early Harappan culture. The fertile alluvial plains surrounding the Indus River provided favorable conditions for cultivation.
- The cultivation of wheat, barley, peas, and sesame seeds has been identified through archaeological evidence.

3. Craftsmanship:
- The inhabitants of the early Harappan culture were skilled craftsmen. They produced a wide range of artifacts, including pottery, beads, and tools.
- Pottery was predominantly handmade and decorated with geometric patterns and animal motifs.
- Beads made of various materials such as terracotta, faience, and semi-precious stones were also popular.

4. Trade and Exchange:
- The early Harappan culture had a well-developed trade network. Archaeological discoveries of exotic materials like carnelian beads from Gujarat and lapis lazuli from Afghanistan suggest long-distance trade connections.
- The discovery of standardized weights and measures indicates a system of trade and commerce.

5. Social Organization:
- The early Harappan society was likely organized in a hierarchical manner.
- The presence of large public buildings, such as granaries and citadels, suggests the existence of a central authority or ruling class.

6. Religion and Rituals:
- The early Harappan culture exhibited religious and ritualistic practices.
- Archaeological findings of terracotta figurines, possibly depicting deities, indicate the presence of a religious belief system.

7. Burial Practices:
- The early Harappan people practiced burial of the deceased.
- Grave goods such as pottery, beads, and tools were placed alongside the deceased, suggesting a belief in an afterlife or the importance of personal possessions.

Overall, the early Harappan culture laid the foundation for the later Indus Valley Civilization. Its advanced urban planning, agricultural practices, craftsmanship, trade networks, and social organization provide valuable insights into the ancient civilization's development and achievements.