Mehrgarh

Mehrgarh is a Neolithic archaeological site in the Kachi Plain of Balochistan, Pakistan, with occupations dating from roughly 7000 BCE through to the third millennium BCE. It is one of the earliest known farming settlements in South Asia and a key site for understanding the region’s transition to settled life.

The site preserves a long stratified sequence showing the development from early farming and simple mud-brick structures to later ceramic production and craft specialization. Finds include early domesticated cereals, livestock remains, fired pottery and burial assemblages that document changes in material culture over millennia.

Major professional excavations began in the 1970s and established Mehrgarh as a primary reference for Neolithic and Chalcolithic South Asia. The sequence from Mehrgarh is important for tracing cultural connections between Southwest Asia and the Indus Valley civilizations that followed.

Mehrgarh is located on the Kachi Plain within Balochistan province; the site lies inland from the coastal plain and is accessed by road from regional centres in the province.

• Early agriculture and crafts: Excavations at the site produced early examples of domesticated wheat, barley and herded animals, plus some of the region’s earliest pottery and craft production.

Mehrgarh is located in Balochistan, Pakistan, south of Quetta and near the Bolan Pass corridor. Access typically requires arranging transport from Quetta or Khuzdar and coordinating with local authorities or archaeological teams; permits and a local guide are strongly advised.

• Access is by permit-contact Pakistan's Department of Archaeology or local heritage authorities before planning a visit.
• Bring sun protection and water; the site is in a semi-arid plain with few shade structures.
• Local guides from the Ziarat or Kachi Plains area can provide the best contextual tours and explanation of excavation layers.