Mehrgarh

Mehrgarh was a prehistoric settlement group in South Asia and one of the main references of the archeology of the earliest Neolithic in this region. The remains were found in Balochistan (Pakistan ) on the Kachi plain near the Bolan Pass, to the west of the Indus River valley and between the present-day cities of Quetta, Kalat and Sibi.

Mehrgarh is considered the first known farmer - settlement in South Asia. First excavations were made in 1974. The earliest signs of settlement date back to around 7000 BC This is where the earliest pottery of South Asia have been found. The archaeologists were able to distinguish several periods.

Mehrgarh I

Mehrgarh I lasted from about 7000-5500 BC and was a akeramisches Neolithic, ie without potteries. The first fields of the area have been created by semi - nomads, who grew wheat and barley and sheep, goats and cattle bred. They built a simple building made ​​of dried mud which were divided into four "rooms". Numerous burials were found, besides also very advanced utility items such as baskets, equipment combines stone and bone material, jewelry such as pearl necklaces, bangles, pendants and occasionally animal sacrifices. Amazingly, were found in some of these victims more grave goods than with the human burials. Jewelry made of sea shells, limestone, turquoise, lapis lazuli, sandstone and polished copper have been found, besides also simply crafted figurines of female characters and animals. A single find was a ground stone ax as an accompaniment to a funeral - the first such discovery of the Indian subcontinent - some more remained at the former surface.

Mehrgarh II and III

Mehrgarh II (about 5500-4800 BC) and Merhgarh III (about 4800-3500 BC) then already belong to the ceramic Neolithic ( ie pottery was in use) and the Copper Age. There were many evidences of an advanced manufacturing with improved techniques. Glazed beads ( faience ) were also produced such as terracotta figures with more and more details. Figures of women were painted and had different hairstyles and ornaments on. In two graves from the Mehrgarh II period red ocher was found on the bodies of the deceased. The number of grave goods was reduced gradually. First Seal of terracotta and bone material with geometric motifs were produced. For technology now included copper drills, updraft kilns with technology and melting pot. On the basis of findings of lapis lazuli, which comes after investigations of Badakhshan, and the long-distance trade can already be viewed in Mehrgarh II as shown.

Mehrgarh IV

The pottery of this level ( about 3500 BC) is often painted in bright colors. There appear clay figures, but the act still quite clumsy.

Mehrgarh V

The clay figures refine what is due to a finer tone and higher firing temperatures. The figures are cream-colored. The ceramic is partially still colorfully painted.

Mehrgarh VI

This stage belongs to the Bronze Age. It continues to occur clay figures that are now designed especially visionary, new stone tools, as both sides retouched arrowheads appear. Also popular are geometrically decorated stamp seal at this stage. Eventually, 2600-2000 BC, the site was abandoned around again after some time, to be well populated by other people.

Mehrgarh VII

Mehrgarh VII is known mainly from graves that were found on the southern cemetery. The place seems to have been a while uninhabited. The new culture is strongly influenced Iranian, but also has close links with the Indus Valley Civilization. The burials were mostly poorly preserved, but still contained numerous objects. The skeletons were found mostly in a flexed position. At offerings were found ceramic, such as trophies, metal objects, stone objects, jewelery and seals. As well as several bars, which can be interpreted as a scepter to you. In addition, objects of the Indus Valley Civilization in the tombs occur, then an amulet found the Indus script.