Early Harappan Cultures Overview

Which culture is known for its fortified settlement with an upper citadel and a lower town?

Which of the following cultures is associated with distinctive mud brick houses and a large hoard of lapis lazuli micro-beads?

Which culture had pottery that revealed motifs of plants, animals, and geometrical designs?

In which culture were people known to be pastoralists migrating seasonally between highlands and the Indus Valley?

Which culture covers areas in northern Rajasthan and was reinforced by a wall?

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.

Explore the early Harappan cultures, focusing on clusters found in the Indus basin and Baluchistan. The quiz covers the Kot Diji, Sothi-Siswal, and Amri-Nal cultures, detailing their settlements, pottery styles, and significant findings. Test your knowledge on these ancient civilizations.