The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), a bronze-age marvel, flourished across northwestern India and Pakistan around 2600-1900 BCE.
1 While its core areas lay in the Indus river plains, its influence spread far and wide, reaching even the southern region of present-day Telangana. Though direct evidence of large-scale settlements comparable to Harappa or Mohenjo-daro is yet to be unearthed in Telangana, archaeological discoveries and ongoing research increasingly point towards a significant interaction between this region and the IVC.
Evidence and Influence:
Trade and Exchange Networks:
Indirect Evidence: The discovery of IVC artifacts like pottery, beads, and seals in various parts of Telangana suggests a vibrant trade network connecting this region with the IVC heartland. These items, likely acquired through trade and exchange, indicate that the people of Telangana were part of a larger economic and cultural sphere.
Coastal Connections: The presence of IVC-style pottery in coastal Andhra Pradesh further strengthens this theory. It is plausible that goods traveled along the coast, reaching Telangana through established trade routes.
Cultural Exchange:
Pottery Styles: The presence of black-and-red ware pottery, a hallmark of the late Harappan phase, in Telangana suggests a cultural exchange and adoption of IVC traditions.
Megalithic Burials: Some scholars argue that the megalithic burial practices prevalent in Telangana and other parts of South India might have been influenced by IVC burial customs. However, this remains a topic of debate.
Agricultural Practices:
Introduction of Crops: It is possible that certain crops and agricultural practices associated with the IVC, like the cultivation of wheat and barley, were introduced to Telangana through these interactions. This could have significantly impacted the agricultural landscape of the region.
Possible Settlements:
Ongoing Research: While no major IVC urban centers have been discovered in Telangana yet, ongoing archaeological investigations hold the potential to uncover smaller settlements or trading outposts. Recent excavations at several sites in Telangana have yielded promising results, including pottery shards and other artifacts that point towards IVC connections.
Key Sites in Telangana with Potential IVC Links:
Peddabankur: Excavations here have revealed black-and-red ware pottery and other artifacts that suggest contact with the late Harappan phase.
Kotilingala: This site, known for its megalithic burials, has also yielded pottery with similarities to IVC styles.
Kondapur: Archaeological findings here indicate a possible link with the IVC, though further research is needed to confirm the extent of the connection.
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