🤯 Did You Know (click to read)
Chanhudaro is often described as one of the few Harappan sites focused almost entirely on industrial activity.
Chanhudaro, a smaller Harappan settlement in Sindh, functioned as a craft production center during the Mature Harappan phase. Excavations revealed workshops dedicated to bead-making, including tools and unfinished products. Artisans used specialized drills, likely tipped with harder materials, to perforate carnelian and other stones. Microscopic examination shows uniform drilling patterns. Beads were polished to smooth finishes before export. The settlement lacked large fortifications, suggesting economic specialization rather than political dominance. Craft production linked Chanhudaro to major urban centers. Technical skill compensated for smaller size. Industry defined identity.
💥 Impact (click to read)
Institutionally, craft specialization indicates economic integration across Harappan regions. Smaller settlements could thrive by supplying high-value goods. Precision drilling required apprenticeship systems and quality control. Trade networks distributed finished beads to distant markets. Economic diversity reduced dependence on agriculture alone. Workshops contributed to export revenue. Skill became infrastructure.
For artisans, bead production demanded patience and steady hands. Apprentices learned technique through repetition rather than written instruction. Finished beads traveled far beyond workshop walls. Traders carried small objects representing hours of concentrated labor. The scale of production suggests steady demand. Craftsmanship translated into reputation. Value lay in detail.
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