The Indus Civilization (Cambridge History of India, Supplementary Volume) c10.51

c10.51

Of the remaining constructions recorded from Harappā there is little to be said. In no instance were the remains such as to enable the excavator to produce an intelligible plan. It is worth noting, however, that in “Area G”, 300–400 yds. south of the Harappā police station on low-lying ground which shows no superficial feature, as many as four “strata of occupation” (i.e. structural phases) were observed, the inference being that digging alone can determine the real extent of the ancient city. Nearby was found a tightly packed mass of human skulls and bones with pottery which seems to have included both Harappan and “cemetery H” types (p. 49). Some at least of the bones had been buried with the ligaments still upon them, but on the evidence available any explanation of the find is highly conjectural. It may be that the bodies were interred unceremoniously after a plague or battle followed by the inevitable consequences of exposure to vultures and jackals.