Mehrgarh Ancient civilizations series.pptx

Ancient civilizations series, indo civilizations

1. Presentation no 01 Submitted To: Mam Saman Submitted By: Safa, Samia, Rahma, Natasha Course Code: PKS-101 Course Title: Pakistan Studies University of Gujrat Department of Mathematics

2. MEHRGARH CIVILIZATION

3. CONTENT: Location Discovery Different Eras Artifacts The damage & Continuing challenges Conclusion

4. LOCATION : Mehrgarh is located in the Kacchi Plain of Balochistan, Pakistan. It is situated near the Bolan Pass, to the west of the Indus River valley. This archaeological site is one of the earliest known centers of agriculture and herding in South Asia, dating back to around 7000 BCE.

5. DISCOVERY: This site was discovered in 1974 by archaeological team led by French Archaeologists Jean Francois Jarrige and his wife Catherine Jarrige. Region: South Asia Period: Neolithics

6. DIFFERENT ERAS: Mehrgarh's history can be divided into different periods based on its development: Early Period (7000–5500 BCE ): People lived in mud-brick houses. They were farmers (grew wheat, barley) and herders (raised sheep , goats, and cattle ). Used simple tools made of stone and bone . 2 . Middle Period (5500–4000 BCE ): Improved farming and herding techniques . Started making pottery and crafts . Evidence of early trade with nearby regions. 3. Later Period (4000–2600 BCE ): Advanced pottery and tools (like copper items ). More complex society with skilled craftsmen. Transitioned into the Indus Valley Civilization . In short, Mehrgarh evolved from a small farming village to a more advanced society, laying the foundation for later civilizations in the region.

7. ARTIFACTS OF MEHRGARH: Some key points about the artifacts of Mehrgarh are as follows: Pottery: Early hand-made pottery (7000–5000 BCE) and later wheel-made pottery (from 4000 BCE) have been found . 2 . Tools and Implements: Stone and bone tools, such as blades, drills, and grinding stones, indicate advanced tool-making techniques . 3 . Jewelry: Beads made of steatite, lapis lazuli, and other materials, as well as shell and bone ornaments, show early craftsmanship . 4 . Figurines: Terracotta figurines of humans and animals suggest ritual or symbolic practices . 5 . Burial Sites: Graves with personal items like beads, tools, and pottery indicate early burial customs . 6 . Architectural Evidence: Mud-brick structures and storage facilities highlight early urban planning.

8. THE DAMAGE & CONTINUING CHALLENGES: The site is exposed to weather, causing erosion and damage to ancient structures . Soil erosion and flooding threaten the remains. Overgrown plants and roots can harm the archaeological layers . Lack of proper conservation has led to neglect and decay. Illegal digging and looting have destroyed parts of the site. Nearby development and farming activities risk damaging the area . Limited funding and resources make restoration difficult. Climate change impacts, like extreme weather, further endanger the site. Low awareness about its importance leads to less support for preservation. Balancing tourism and protection is a challenge to avoid overcrowding or vandalism.

9. CONCLUSION: Mehrgarh is a very important ancient site in South Asia, it proves that people there grew crops and raised animals. They also made tools and showing their skills. The way the village was organized, with houses and burial sites, tells us they lived in communities with rules and traditions. Mehrgarh also shows early trade with other regions. It also helps us to understand how early civilizations in South Asia began and how they influenced later cultures, like the Indus Valley Civilization . THE END