Pre-Harappan Settlement at Mehergarh

The correct answer to the question is option 'D', Mehergarh. Mehergarh is a prehistoric archaeological site located in the foothills of the Bolan Pass on the Bolan River in Balochistan, Pakistan. It is one of the most important and earliest Neolithic (Pre-Harappan) sites discovered in the Indian subcontinent. The site was first discovered in 1974 and excavations began in 1975 under the direction of French archaeologist Jean-Francois Jarrige.

Importance of Mehergarh

Mehergarh is of immense importance as it provides valuable insights into the early development of human civilization in the Indian subcontinent. The site exhibits evidence of early agricultural practices, domestication of animals, and the emergence of settled communities.

Archaeological Findings

The excavations at Mehergarh have revealed several key findings, including:

1. Stone Tools: Numerous stone tools, such as blades, scrapers, and arrowheads, have been found at the site. These tools indicate the use of advanced techniques for tool production and suggest the presence of skilled craftsmen.

2. Pottery: The site has yielded a large quantity of pottery, including red and black pottery. The pottery is decorated with intricate designs and motifs, indicating a high level of artistic and technological skill.

3. Burial Sites: Several burial sites have been discovered at Mehergarh, providing insights into burial practices and social organization of the early inhabitants. The burials include both individual and collective graves, suggesting different burial rituals and social hierarchies.

4. Terracotta Figurines: The site has also yielded a significant number of terracotta figurines representing animals, humans, and mythological beings. These figurines provide insights into the religious and cultural beliefs of the early inhabitants.

5. Agricultural Practices: The presence of various domesticated plants, including wheat, barley, lentils, and peas, indicates the early development of agriculture at Mehergarh. This suggests that the inhabitants were engaged in farming and had a settled lifestyle.

Significance of Pre-Harappan Settlements

The discovery of Pre-Harappan settlements like Mehergarh is crucial in understanding the origins and development of the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Civilization). These early settlements serve as precursors to the urban centers of the Harappan Civilization and provide insights into the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities.

Conclusion

Mehergarh, located at the foot of the Bolan Pass on the Bolan River, is a significant Pre-Harappan settlement. The site's excavations have provided valuable evidence of early agricultural practices, domestication of animals, and the emergence of settled communities. It serves as a key link in understanding the development of the Indus Valley Civilization and its cultural, technological, and social evolution.