Craft Specialisation: Harappan period
The Harappan (or Indus Valley) civilization, which flourished between 2600 and 1900 BCE, is known for its advanced craft specialization.
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The civilization’s urban centers like Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Lothal were hubs of skilled craftsmanship. Artisans specialized in bead-making, pottery, metallurgy, and textile production. Bead-making, particularly, was a prominent craft, with beads made from materials like carnelian, agate, and lapis lazuli. These beads were traded extensively, indicating a sophisticated economy based on craft production. Metallurgy was another significant area, with copper, bronze, and later, iron tools and ornaments being produced. The standardized production of goods, such as pottery and seals, suggests the existence of specialized workshops and a division of labor. Craft specialization in the Harappan period not only reflects the complexity of their society but also their trade connections with distant regions, including Mesopotamia.