Early Harappan Cultures Overview

Early Harappan Cultures

• Early Harappan cultures are found in four clusters across the Indus basin and parts of Baluchistan.

Kot Diji Culture

• Covers a vast area, including NWFP, Pakistan's Punjab, and northern Sindh.
• Occupied during both early and mature Harappan periods.
• Settlements featured fortified structures, divided into citadels and lower towns.
• Pottery exhibited "well-fired red and buff wares" with motifs including horned deities, pipal leaves, and fish scales outlined in black.

Sothi-Siswal Culture

• Located in northern Rajasthan (Kalibangan), Indian Punjab, and Haryana.
• Fortified by walls.
• Houses were constructed from mud bricks, often with central courtyards.
• Notably, a significant collection of lapis lazuli micro-beads was discovered here.

Amri-Nal Culture

• Spread across Baluchistan, central and southern Sindh, and extending into Gujarat.
• Some settlements were fortified.
• Pottery styles specific to the region include Nal pottery in Baluchistan and Amri pottery in Sindh.
• Evidence suggests a pastoral lifestyle, with seasonal migrations between highlands and the Indus Valley, moving to higher elevations during summer months and the Indus Valley in winter.

Damb Sadaat Culture

• Located in Central Baluchistan.
• Pottery displays similarities to Kot Diji but features distinct plant, animal, and geometric motifs.