Other Civilizations

Against the Grain: A Deep History of the Earliest States

Once in a while a book comes along that so radically shifts your perspective and ways of thinking about a complex subject that it can only be called breathtaking. Against the Grain A Deep History of the Earliest States (2017), by Yale Agrarian Studies Professor James C. Scott is one such book. >

Lost and Found Prehistoric Pottery Treasures from Baluchistan

Ute Franke

"The collection was seized on June 11th, 2005 in the customs building of the Karachi sea port. In cases like that, the custom officers fill in a form requesting the examination of the artefacts by a competent authority who will receive this consignment." >

Urban Cultures of Central Asia from the Bronze Age to the Karakhanids: Learnings and conclusions from new archaeological investigations and discoveries

An exceptional collection by a wide variety of archaeologists that speak to discoveries in the past decades in Central Asia and what they may imply for cultural development in the wider region, including the ancient Indus area. >

Ahimsa : 100 Reflections on the Harappan Civilization

Devdutt Pattanaik

There is a lot to like about this well-written and engaging set of reflections on ancient Indus life and culture. It does not hesitate to examine its biases: "much of our acceptance of the past is a function of the present," writes the author, and "what I present are not arguments . . . these are not free of my prejudices. So approach this book in the spirit of curiosity, not combat." >