Development of Urbanization in the Mewar Region of Rajasthan, India in the Middle of Third Millennium BC

Abstract

The Indian Subcontinent witnessed its first urbanization in the middle of the third millennium BC as a result of continued cultural development that started around the beginning of seventh millennium BC at Mehragrh on the Kachi Plains. Extensive research in other parts of India, revealed the presence of contemporary early farming cultures, with characteristic rural features. The recent archaeological evidence from Bagor, Balathal and Gilund (Mewar, Rajasthan) suggests independent origin of a settled life style around the middle of 4th millennium BC contemporary with the Pre/Early Harappan cultures of western Indian subcontinent. These sites have brought to light traces of infant urbanization or pro-urbanisation associated with the Ahar culture of Mewar. Available evidence demonstrates the influence of Harappan urbanization on Chalcolithic sites, though on a much smaller scale as a result of interactions and trade contacts between the two by the middle of the 3rd millennium BC.

Keywords

• urbanization