The Kot Diji Civilization, named after the ancient site of Kot Diji in the Khairpur district of Sindh province, Pakistan, flourished from approximately 2500 to 1900 BCE. It represents a significant archaeological phase in the prehistory of South Asia, preceding the mature phase of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Key features of the Kot Diji Civilization:
- Urban Centers: The Kot Diji Civilization is characterized by the emergence of fortified towns and settlements, including the eponymous site of Kot Diji. These urban centers featured defensive walls, public buildings, and residential quarters, indicating a degree of centralized authority and urban planning.
- Cultural Continuity: The Kot Diji Civilization exhibits cultural continuities with the preceding phase of the Indus Valley Civilization, particularly in terms of pottery styles, architecture, and technological innovations. However, it also displays unique cultural traits and regional variations that distinguish it from earlier and later civilizations in the region.
- Pottery and Artifacts: Archaeological excavations at Kot Diji and other sites associated with this civilization have yielded a rich assemblage of pottery, including distinctive red-slipped and painted wares. Additionally, artifacts such as terracotta figurines, seals, beads, and tools provide insights into the material culture and artistic expressions of the Kot Diji people.
- Economic Activities: The economy of the Kot Diji Civilization was based on agriculture, with evidence of irrigation systems, terraced fields, and crop cultivation. Trade and commerce also played a significant role, as indicated by the presence of trade networks and exchange of goods with neighboring regions.
- Social Organization: While the social structure of the Kot Diji Civilization remains somewhat enigmatic, it is believed to have been hierarchical, with evidence of social differentiation based on wealth, status, and occupation. The presence of elite residences and craft specialization suggests the existence of social stratification within the society.
- Decline: The decline of the Kot Diji Civilization around 1900 BCE coincided with broader regional shifts and transitions in South Asian prehistory, including the waning influence of urban centers and the emergence of new cultural and political dynamics in the region.