Harappa Archaeological Research Project

HARP (Harappa Archaeological Research Project) a group of scholars from a variety of fields dedicated to advancing the study of the ancient Indus Valley civilization.

Retaining walls inside perimeter wall

Towards the east, in what was probably a low area, a series of radiating mud-brick retaining walls were built to contain rubble that was used as a foundation for later structures, only fragments of which are preserved.

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Stone beads

The beads in the top three rows of from the bead pot (83) were drilled with tapering holes, possibly with tubular drill or tapered cylindrical drill. The green beads are amazonite, banded agate, jasper. The rest are carnelian.

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Detail view of the HARP-excavated platform

Detail view of the HARP-excavated platform in Trench 43 with Wheeler's platform to the east (toward the top of the image). Note the mud-brick wall foundations that surround each platform to the east, south, and west (the north walls remain

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Brick drains

Baked brick drains and possible doorways were missed by brick robbers in Trench 57 West. The massive mud brick platforms may have served as foundations for houses.

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Indus unicorn seal in situ

In the rubble were found a number of inscribed pieces, including this intaglio seal, seen here in situ next to one of the radiating mud-brick walls.

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Tubular drill hole

Tubular drill hole in an unfinished bead found from the bead pot (83) at Harappa.

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A large concentration of straw impressions

A large concentration of straw impressions was found in one part of the floor next to the platform, but there is no evidence of chaff from processing grain as was suggested by earlier excavators (Trench 43).

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Trench 57 excavations

Overview of Trench 57 excavations that were continued in 2001 to reveal massive baked brick wall voids and additional baked brick drains. Looking West.