Harappan Civilization and Scale at Harappan Sites

The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, was one of the earliest civilizations in the world, flourishing in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent from around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. The civilization was characterized by its advanced urban planning, trade networks, and sophisticated systems of writing, art, and technology. One of the key features of the Harappan civilization was its use of standardized weights and measures, which allowed for efficient trade and commerce across the region.

There were several major Harappan sites that have been excavated and studied by archaeologists, including Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Lothal, and Surkotada. At each of these sites, archaeologists have found evidence of a complex and sophisticated civilization, including well-planned cities, advanced irrigation systems, and intricate crafts and artworks.

Missing Scale at Surkotada

However, there is one Harappan site where a scale has not been found: Surkotada. Surkotada is located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India, and was excavated by archaeologist J.P. Joshi in the 1970s. Although Joshi uncovered a number of important artifacts at the site, including pottery, beads, and jewelry, he did not find any evidence of a scale.

This absence of a scale at Surkotada is somewhat puzzling, given that scales have been found at other Harappan sites, including Harappa and Mohenjodaro. It is possible that Surkotada simply did not have a need for a scale, or that the scales used at the site were made from organic materials that did not survive the centuries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Harappan civilization was a remarkable achievement of human history, characterized by its advanced urban planning, trade networks, and sophisticated systems of writing, art, and technology. While scales have been found at most of the major Harappan sites, including Harappa, Mohenjodaro, and Lothal, they have not been found at Surkotada. The reason for this absence remains a mystery, but it does not detract from the overall significance of the Harappan civilization and its accomplishments.

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