Around the Indus in 90 Slides
Tour the ancient Indus Civilization with one of its foremost scholars and recent excavators, Jonathan Mark Kenoyer. Stunning slides from Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, the key objects and facts about ancient Pakistan and India 3500-1700 BCE. With an introductory essay.
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1. Bullock cart and boat A traditional bullock cart and flat bottomed ferry boat are still used for local transport along the Indus River near the ancient site of Mohenjo-daro, Sindh, in Pakistan. |
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2. Sailboat in Karachi bay The coast of Sindh and Makran have many sheltered bays and ancient Harappan sites have been located along the coast to the border of modern Iran. These coastal settlements were involved in fishing… |
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3. Desert Nomads Desert nomads of Cholistan in Punjab come to the annual festival at Channan Pir. They bring with them produce from their herds and minerals from the desert. Similar relationships probably existed… |
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4. Terraced fields Terraced fields along the Margalla hills north of Islamabad, represent the adaptive strategy of agriculture in different parts of the greater Indus Valley. Similar agricultural villages were… |
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5. Himalaya mountains Nanga Parbat and numerous other glacier draped mountains of the Himalaya, Karakorum and Hindu Kush provide a continuous source of water for the Indus and its tributaries. These mountain ranges also… |
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6. Chitral Valley The aromatic cedar or deodar growing in Chitral valley is still used to make houses and coffins, following a tradition that dates back to the first Indus cities. Beyond the snow capped mountains in… |
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7. Mohenjo-daro, Sindh This view shows the high western mound made up of a massive mud brick platform and brick houses of the Harappan period ( 2600 to 1900 B. C.). On top of the Harappan structures is a Buddhist period… |
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8. "Great Bath" Mohenjo-Daro The "great bath" is without doubt the earliest public water tank in the ancient world. The tank itself measures approximately 12 meters north-south and 7 meters wide, with a maximum depth of 2.4… |
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9. "Great Bath" Mohenjo-Daro A general view of the "Great Bath" and adjoining rooms. In the background is a massive brick structure referred to as the "Granary". Built on top of a tapered brick platform this building had a solid… |
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10. Street, Mohenjo-daro At Mohenjo-daro narrow streets and alleyways branch off of the major streets, leading into more private neighborhoods. Many of the brick houses were two stories high, with thick walls and high… |
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11. Well, Mohenjo-daro Private wells were rebuilt over many generations to serve the needs of a large household or neighborhood. This well in DK G area at Mohenjo-daro stands like a chimney because all of the surrounding… |
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12. Bath Area, Mohenjo-daro Almost every house unit at Mohenjo-daro was equipped with a private bathing area with drains to take the dirty water out into a larger drain that emptied into a sewage drain. Many of these bathing… |
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13. Mound AB, Harappa The high mound at Harappa (Mound AB) is surrounded by a massive mud brick city wall with large square ramparts. One of these eroding ramparts is visible through the underbrush that now covers the… |
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14. Public well, Harappa A large public well and public bathing platforms were found in the southern part of Mound AB at Harappa. These public bathing areas may also have been used for washing clothes as is common in many… |
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15. "Granary," Harappa The so-called "granary" of Harappa is found on Mound F. It is a brick structure that was built on a massive brick foundation over 45 meters north south and 45 meters east-west. Two rows of six rooms… |
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16. Working Platforms, Harappa To the south of the "granary" or "great hall" at Harappa is an area with numerous circular working platforms that were built inside small rooms or courtyards. These circular working platforms may… |
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17. Mound F, Harappa An overview of the area on Mound F as seen from the city wall on Mound AB. The circular working platforms are in the background and a row of identical houses that were clearly made all at one time,… |
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18. Modern Harappa A view of modern Harappa city which is built on top of a large portion of the ancient mound. Many of the streets and houses of the modern town are built directly above earlier streets and houses of… |
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19. Drain, Harappa Excavated by the Harappa Archaeological Research Project in 1993, this large corbelled drain was built in the middle of an abandoned gateway at Harappa to dispose of rainwater and sewage. |
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20. Mound E and ET, Harappa An overview of Mound E and ET looking north. Inside the city to the right of the corbelled drain and gateway is an area of the city that has been identified as a crafts quarter. Large quantities of… |
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21. Weights, Harappa Cubical weights in graduated sizes.These weights conform to the standard Harappan binary weight system that was used in all of the settlements. The smallest weight in this series is 0.856 grams and… |
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22. Toy carts, Nausharo Terra cotta toy carts from the Harappan period site of Nausharo in Baluchistan. Holes along the length of the cart serve to hold wooden side bars and at the center of the cart two of the wooden side… |
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23. Toy boat, Harappa Terra cotta toy boat from Harappa. Such toys may have been used by children. Harappa Archaeological Research Project. |
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24. Moulded tablet, Mohenjo-daro Three sided molded tablet. One side shows a flat bottomed boat with a central hut that has leafy fronds at the top of two poles. Two birds sit on the deck and a large double rudder extends from the… |
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25. Unicorn Seal, Mohenjo-daro Large square unicorn seal with perforated boss on the back (26). The unicorn is the most common motif on Indus seals and appears to represent a mythical animal that Greek and Roman sources trace back… |
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26. Unicorn Seal, Mohenjo-daro Large square unicorn seal (25.) with perforated boss on the back (26). The unicorn is the most common motif on Indus seals and appears to represent a mythical animal that Greek and Roman sources… |
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27. Bull seal, Harappa The majestic zebu bull, with its heavy dewlap and wide curving horns is perhaps the most impressive motif found on the Indus seals. Generally carved on large seals with relatively short inscriptions,… |
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28. Bison seal, Mohenjo-daro This is a flat square double sided seal. On one side, four script symbols are inscribed in reverse, above a bison with head lowered to the feeding trough. A swastika motif turning counter clockwise… |
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29. Inscribed objects A collection of inscribed objects found along the main street leading to the southern gateway of Mound E at Harappa. The fragmentary seal on the left is the earliest seal found to date, and depicts a… |
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30. Seals & tablets A collection of seals and tablets from a single house along the main street leading to the southern gateway of Mound E at Harappa. The association of these different types of objects together in one… |
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31. Seals and sealing Long rectangular seals and a terra cotta sealing (bottom) with Indus script. The top seal has seven signs of Indus script. The back of this seal is convex and it is perforated from the side. The… |
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32. Seal, Mohenjo-daro Terracotta sealing from Mohenjo-daro depicting a collection of animals and some script symbols. This sealing may have been used in specific rituals as a narrative token that tells the story of an… |
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33. Seal, Mohenjo-daro Square seal depicting a nude male deity with three faces, seated in yogic position on a throne, wearing bangles on both arms and an elaborate headdress. Five symbols of the Indus script appear on… |
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34. Seal, Mohenjo-daro Seal depicting a deity with horned headdress and bangles on both arms, standing in a pipal (sacred fig) tree and looking down on a kneeling worshiper. A human head rests on a small stool. A giant ram… |
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35. Seal, Mohenjo-daro Square seal with multiple headed animal depicting three important totemic animals: the bull, the unicorn, and the antelope. All three animals are seen individually on other seals along with script,… |
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36. Silver seal, Mohenjo-daro This silver seal with a unicorn motif is one of two found at Mohenjo-daro. Mackay 1938: Vol. 1, p. 348, Vol. 2, Pl. XC,1; XCVI, 520. |
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37. Seals, Mohenjo-daro Other animal motifs appearing on seals found primarily at the largest cities include dangerous wild animals like the rhinoceros, the water buffalo, the gharial (crocodile) and the tiger. All of these… |
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38. Tokens or tablets, Harappa Terra cotta tokens or tablets from Harappa. In Area G, south of the recently discovered gateway on Mound ET(20), excavators found a concentration of as many as 31 identical cylindrical terracotta… |
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39. Male head, Mohenjo-daro Male head probably broken from a seated sculpture. Finely braided or wavy combed hair tied into a double bun on the back of the head and a plain fillet or headband with two hanging ribbons falling… |
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40. Head (back), Mohenjo-daro Male head probably broken from a seated sculpture. Finely braided or wavy combed hair tied into a double bun on the back of the head and a plain fillet or headband with two hanging ribbons falling… |
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41. "Priest King," Mohenjo-daro Seated male sculpture, or "Priest King" from Mohenjo-daro (41, 42, 43). Fillet or ribbon headband with circular inlay ornament on the forehead and similar but smaller ornament on the right upper arm… |
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42. "Priest King" Seated male sculpture, or "Priest King" from Mohenjo-daro (41, 42, 43). Fillet or ribbon headband with circular inlay ornament on the forehead and similar but smaller ornament on the right upper arm… |
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43. "Priest King" side view Seated male sculpture, or "Priest King" from Mohenjo-daro (41, 42, 43). Fillet or ribbon headband with circular inlay ornament on the forehead and similar but smaller ornament on the right upper arm… |
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44. Sculpture Seated male sculpture with shell inlay still remaining in one eye. The braided or combed hair lays back straight and a plain fillet or ribbon encircles the head and falls down the back of the neck… |
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45. Seated male Seated male figure with head missing (45,46). On the back of the figure, the hair style can be partially reconstructed by a wide swath of hair and a braided lock of hair or ribbon hanging along the… |
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46. Male (front) Seated male figure with head missing (45,46). On the back of the figure, the hair style can be partially reconstructed by a wide swath of hair and a braided lock of hair or ribbon hanging along the… |
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47. Figurines A collection of terra cotta figurines of humans and animals from recent excavations at Harappa. Harappa Archaeological Research Project. |
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48. Figurine heads A collection of male figurine heads showing different types of headdresses and beards from recent excavations at Harappa. Harappa Archaeological Research Project. |
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49. Male figurines Three seated male figurines from Harappa. Harappa Archaeological Research Project. |
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50. Female Figurine Female figurine with three sets of chokers and necklaces. This is one of the largest female figurines found at Harappa and it has the common fan shaped headdress with cups on either side of the head… |
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51. Female Figurine Female figurine with four flowers arranged on the front part of a fan shaped headdress with cups at two sides and braided edging. This figurine is heavily adorned with a triple strand choker with… |
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52. Female Figurines Fat women figurines with turban-like headdress and appliqué ornaments. Bangles are worn on both wrists and upper arms, ankle bracelets and a choker probably represent beaded ornaments. The right hand… |
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53. Modern replicas The cup shaped headdress of some figurines may have been used for holding oil and used as lamps. These replicas and the plate were made by Mohammad Nawaz, a local potter from modern Harappa. |
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54. Bull figurine and mold Humped bull figurine with molded head that is twisted to the side, and a mold used to make the head. The legs were made separated rather than being joined together. Hand formed body and attached head… |
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55. Modern bull Modern bull at a cattle fair in the Punjab, with a spotted design made with henna [dye]. |
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56. Bull figurine Terra cotta figurine of a bull from Harappa without a hump. There may have been many species of bulls used in different parts of the Indus valley. |
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57. Mohenjo-daro, Sindh farmers Local farmers near Mohenjo-daro breed bulls for racing with small carts. This pair has just won a race. |
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58. Ram figurine Terra cotta ram figurine from Harappa. Such figurines may represent sacrificial animals used in specific annual rituals. Harappa Archaeological Research Project. |
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59. Sheep Throughout Pakistan and India, special breeds of sheep are raised for sacrifice during religious festivals such as Qurbani Eid. |
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60. Indus Dog Figurine Figurine of begging dog with upraised front paws and wearing a beaded collar. The back legs have been shaped into a stand. Hand formed with applique ornaments and eyes. Material: terra cotta… |
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61. Tiger? figurine Tiger or leopard figurine with incised facial features, including punctated dots on the face that could be whisker marks. This figurine depicts a normal feline without horns or human face and… |
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62. Turtle figurine Terra cotta turtle figurine from Harappa. Harappa Archaeological Research Project. |
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63. Elephant head Elephant head with stylized wide spread ears. Traces of red and white paint bands are visible on the face. Painting of elephants for ritual processions is a common practice in traditional India and… |
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64. Monkey figurine Triple monkey figurine amulet with hole in center. This miniature carved faience bead or pin ornament shows three monkeys in tight embrace with amused expressions on their faces. Possibly placed on a… |
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65. Whistles Hollow egg shaped whistles may have been used for making music and for accompaniment to singers, a tradition that is still present in rural areas of Pakistan and India. The bird shaped whistles were… |
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66. Terra cotta discs One of the games played by the children of the Indus cities may be represented by terra cotta discs found in graduated sizes. A game called "pittu" is played throughout Pakistan and northern India… |
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67. Terra cotta cones Decorated terra cotta cones are found at both Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, but no one knows what they may have been used for. Some scholars suggest that they were hung on a string as a plumb-bob for use… |
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68. Terra cotta nodules Terra cotta nodules and cakes of different shapes are common at most Indus sites. These objects appear to have been used in many different ways depending on their shape and size. The flat triangular… |
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69. Painted burial pottery Painted burial pottery from Harappa. The two largest vessels were found in the same burial and are described below. The other smaller vessels were found in an earlier burial and represent an older… |
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70. Burial pottery Collection of burial pottery without any painted designs. These vessels come from one of the later burials towards the end of the Harappan period, possibly dating to 1900 B. C. |
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71. Burial of adult man, Harappa The body may have been wrapped in a shroud, and was then placed inside a wooden coffin, which was entombed in a rectangular pit surrounded with burial offerings in pottery vessels. The man was buried… |
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72. Burial of woman and infant, Harappa This burial was disturbed in antiquity, possibly by ancient Harappan grave robbers. Besides the fact that the body is flipped and the pottery disturbed, the left arm of the woman is broken and shell… |
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73. Pointed base goblets The pointed base results from rapid manufacture off a fast wheel and makes it easy for stacking in the kiln. The grooves around the body may serve as a simple decoration, but they also allow for a… |
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74. Cooking pots, Nausharo Ledge shouldered cooking pots with low neck and flaring rim. One vessel has red slip on the neck and rim, while the other is fired grey-black. A small black fired bowl is seen in the foreground… |
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75. Cooking vessel Ledged cooking vessel with high neck and flaring rim. This metal vessel is almost identical to many terra cotta cooking vessels and was probably intended for a very wealthy family. It was made by… |
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76. Plate Plate with vertical sides. Copper and bronze plates were probably used exclusively by wealthy upper class city dwellers. Material: copper/bronze Dimensions: 4.3 cm height, 30.3 cm dia. Mohenjo-daro,… |
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77. Terra cotta bangles, Mohenjo-daro Many of the terra cotta bangles were originally painted with black or red designs. Such ornaments are found in the thousands and may have been worn, broken and discarded much as glass bangles are… |
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78. Ancient Indus Bangles Two copper/bronze bangles, one from Harappa and the other from Mohenjo-daro. The bangles were made from a round hammered rod bent in a full circle. The space between the ends of the bangle would be… |
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79. Ancient Indus Ornaments This collection of gold and agate ornaments includes objects found at both Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. At the top are fillets of hammered gold that would have been worn around the forehead. The other… |
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80. Necklace or belt, Mohenjo-daro Carnelian and copper/bronze necklace or belt. With 42 long bicone carnelian beads, 72 spherical bronze beads, 6 bronze spacer beads, 2 half moon shaped bronze terminals, 2 hollow cylindrical bronze… |