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Early Harappan Culture

The Early Harappan culture, also known as the Pre-Harappan or Early Indus Valley Civilization, flourished in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent around 3300 BCE to 2600 BCE. It represents the initial phase of urbanization and civilization in the Indian subcontinent.

During this period, settlements began to emerge along the floodplains of the Indus River and its tributaries. These early settlements were characterized by mud-brick structures, some of which displayed rudimentary forms of urban planning. The people of the Early Harappan culture engaged in agriculture, with evidence of wheat, barley, and domesticated animals.

Artifacts such as pottery, seals, and tools suggest a degree of sophistication in craftsmanship and trade. However, the Early Harappan period lacked the standardized urban planning and extensive trade networks that would become characteristic of the Mature Harappan civilization.

Overall, the Early Harappan culture represents a critical stage in the development of civilization in the Indian subcontinent, laying the foundation for the later achievements of the Mature Harappan civilization. It provides valuable insights into the processes of urbanization, social organization, and cultural evolution in ancient South Asia.