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1. Map of the Sarasvati-Sindu and Ghaggar drainage system. From Gregory Possehl, ed. Harappan
Civilization (1982). Probably the real economic (agricultural) and demographic basis of the ancient
Sarasvati-Sindu civilization lay in the region, now desert, East of the Indus.
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2. House excavation, perhaps that of a merchant. The initial impression of the civilization was
that of great commercial cities, such as Mohenjodaro and Harappa, that linked economic regions, but
now it seems these cities were marginal to the true focus further East.
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3. The pool of sacred waters (so-called "Great Bath") on the "Citadel," Mohenjo-Daro.
Water from this pool passed through pipes to wealthier houses. The cathartic effect of bathing seems an
old characteristic of South Asian civilization. |
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4. Street flanked by single story houses in Kalibangan, Period I (2450-2300 B.C.).
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5. Polychrome vessel from excavation MR 1. Ca. 3500 B.C.
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6. Typical pottery jar, Lothal.
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7. Terracotta female figurine. Perhaps mother goddess.
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8. Terracotta head from city of Harappa, 2300 B.C.
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9. Bronze figurine of a dancing girl from Mohenjo-Daro. 2500 B.C. 5" tall.
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10. Red limestone statue of a male torso. 3" tall.
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11. Wheeled bronze model of rhinoceros. Daimabad.
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12. Bronze model "chariot" drawn by bulls. Daimabad.
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13. Bronze razor blades.
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14. Cylindar seal. Kalibangan. The cylindar seal is to the right, and to the left is a modern clay tablet
to illustrate what its effect would have been when rolled out. The seal is only about 2 cm. tall.
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15. Fired clay seals, perhaps indicating ownership of trade goods. We have a long way to go before
being able to read the language of the Sarasvati-Sindhu civilization.
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16. Terracotta scale, showing graduations. Kalibangan. Evidence such as this contributed to the initial
impression that the civilization was based primarily on commerce, for the cities discovered early on
seemed to lack an agricultural basis. Now that view is under revision.
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