Mehrgarh Historical Facts and Pictures

Lying on the Kacchi plain of Baluchistan, Mehrgarh is an important Neolithic site that was founded approximately around 7000 BC. Located near the Bolan Pass, it is one of South Asia’s earliest sites where the evidence of farming and herding were found. An archaeological team under the direction of French archaeologist Jean-François Jarrige and Catherine Jarrige discovered this historic site in 1974, and since then excavation works were continued till early 21^st century. A small village on the northeast corner of Mehrgarh, dated back to 7000 and 5500 BCE is considered as the earliest settlement on the site. There are six mounds of archaeological material found within the complex along with 32,000 artifacts.

Mehrgarh Map

Mehrgarh Map

Mehrgarh Pictures

Mehrgarh

Structure and lifestyle

The early structures show mud brick houses along with granaries. The earliest residents used local copper ore to make fashioned tools. Their large basket containers were lined with bitumen. Those early settlers also cultivated six rows of barley, emmer and einkorn wheat, dates and jujubes, as well as herded goats, sheep and cattle. The later period witnessed craft works, such as tanning, flint knapping, metalworking and bead production.

Mehrgarh Figurine

Figurines of the Mehrgarh

Mehrgarh Figurine Pictures

Mehrgarh Figurine

The site is now considered as a precursor to Indus Valley Civilization. It was occupied till 2600 BC, which the archaeologists have divided into several periods. Moreover, South Asia’s oldest ceramic figurines were found over here. Mostly those figurines were female, which were regarded as depictions of “mother goddess”. After the introduction of potter’s wheels in later period, the figurines exemplified more intricate designs and sophistication.

Mehrgarh Pottery and Tools

Mehrgarh Pottery Images

Mehrgarh Pottery Pictures

Mehrgarh Pottery

Mehrgarh Tools