CULTURAL PROFILE OF BALOCHISTAN: AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL REVIEW

Abstract

This study concerns the compilation of Balochistan Archaeological Cultures (including ceramic cultures) startingjrolJ1 Neolithic to Iron Age including some new data. Moreover, it also consists the discove;y offew new sites in prehistoric and protohistoric sites in Khuzdar. The main methodology applied is based on the analysis of the secondary data and their comparisons to achieve the target; it also includes personal observations. Some of the prominent cultures are Acerall1ic, Ceramic, Kili Gul Nfoha/l1madlTogau, Kechi Beg, Micm GhundailDamb Sadaa!, Quetta, Naal, Kulli, Mehrgarh VIII-Sibri, Early and Late Pirak, etc. Cultures. These cultures present an unbreakable cultural sequence. However, most of the cultures present a hazy picture of ancient life because of lack of extensive researches. The literature review proved the presence of more than 24 major cultures until now and more than 500 prehistoric and protohistoric sites; Balochistan can be called a cultural civilization. These archaeological or pottelY cultures have shown diversity and similarities at the same time. However, pottery is ubiquitously found on these Balochi sites and archaeological cultures are mostly recognized through them. The inhabitants of Balochistan throughout time often had an advance, beautiful and diverse culture according to their time frame. Interestingly, the study shows that there could be more than thousand prehistoric and protohistoric sites in Balochistan with great material potential in them. Also, each site is occupied for a long span of time often portraying different cultural periodslcultures. Moreover, settled life began in Balochistan around 7250 BCE; the early settlers 'were followed by others with different cultures that lived here in different climates and environments which was mostly harsh evelywhere in Balochistan. However, they learnt to create ways out of such harsh weather and lived creating prosperous life of their time. They developed or borrowed the ideas and they were spread throughout Balochistan in a long span of time. These cultures portray amazing architecture, technology, craft and art which could be observed in their detected remains. This rich cultural heritage which is still patchy gives a rich clilturalhistorical background of how they lived and what they did for their survival in this harsh territory. The new sites, from the pot sherds and other collections, prove to be of multi-cultural sites. Particularly one site, Nfiri Sarhap which possessed Harappan seals (?), Kulli figurines, and pottery of Kili Gut Nfohall7mad, Togau, Naal and Mehrgarh VlII-Sibri Culture. Moreover, the recent visit on Londo site has further changed chronology of the sire.