Once more I’m reminded of my folly — the city I’m from is two hours drive from Harappa. And I’ve yet to visit this major Indus Valley site!

Sites of Indus Valley civilization are so far-flung that it boggles the mind. What is the common thread that runs through them to be grouped as IVC?

In Baluchistan, Mehergarh is the latest site I believe. Locals were digging up pottery and statues and selling it to tourists! Till state intervention. It has to be seen and held to be believed. It gave me goosebumps. Rudimentary but exquisite mother goddesses. Pottery is made from a pale clay and is fragile and delicate. I really had a hard time believing it was recovered intact after thousands of years. Black pigment figures decorate the pottery. A friend has a huge collection bought for pennies from locals. It belongs in a museum.