Introduction to Harappan Civilization

What is Cemetery R 37 Harappa?

The Harappan civilization, commonly referred to as the Indus Valley Civilization, was an ancient urban society that inhabited the Indus River Valley in what is now western India and Pakistan. It was one among the world’s earliest urban civilizations, flourishing roughly between 2600 and 1900 BCE, however research into its precise period continues to be underway.

The Harappan civilization was defined by complex architecture, well-organized cities, and an excellent urban planning. The trade, commercial, and political hubs of this civilization were the two greatest cities: Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. These cities were famous for their well-planned streets, brick homes with sophisticated drainage systems, and public structures.

There are different cemeteries linked to the villages of the Harappan culture, which was also known as the Indus Valley culture. These cemeteries offer significant details about the social structure and burial customs of the ancient people. To the south of the fortress, two discoveries at Harappa were made. Two cemeteries—”R 37,” from the Harappan Period, and “H,” from the Late or even Post-Harappan Period—were discovered there.

Harappa was one of more than fifty-five burial sites discovered in the Indus Valley. The main locations are Lothal, Rojdi, Rakhigarhi, Harappa Kalibangan, and Ropar. Cemeteries are typically viewed as expressions of social rank and organization. The Tainter school of thought generally agrees with this interpretation. The cemeteries R-37 and H in Harappa would provide the most persuasive evidence for this theory.

What is Harappa Cemetery R 37?

Situated in modern-day Punjab, Pakistan, the ancient archaeological site of Harappa bears witness to the illustrious past of the Indus Valley Civilization. Harappa and Mohenjo-daro are two of the principal cities of this ancient civilization, which flourished between 3300 and 1300 BCE. “Cemetery R 37” stands out as a noteworthy feature of the archaeological landscape of Harappa, indicating the possibility of burial sites or funerary customs within the ancient city. In this article, we’ll learn about this term.

What is Harappa Cemetery R 37?

Some important points about “Cemetery R37 Harappa” are as follows:

Location	In the present-day Pakistani province of Punjab is the ancient archaeological site of Harappa, where Cemetery R 37 is found.
Size and Purpose	R 37 is characterized as a minor site with about 200 burials. According to archaeologists, it was used as a personal grave by a single Harappan family or clan.
Genetic Affinities and Social Structure	Strong genetic connections among the female population in the R-37 cemetery suggest that only members of a close-knit family or group were buried there. This sheds light on the social structure of the Harappan people by implying that those with higher social status and class were treated differently and had their own burial place.
Burial Practices	Most Harappan burials, including those in Cemetery R 37, involved circular or rectangular holes enclosed with stone or brick. Usually, the bodies were buried facing north-south in wooden coffins covered in linen. Certain grave artefacts, including jewels and mirrors, point to burial customs that are gender-specific.

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