Significance of Rohri Chert blades for the Harappans

Abstract

Chert blades made out of the raw material obtained from the Rohri hills, modern Sindh, Pakistan are very distinct, easy identifiable and one of the hallmarks of the Indus Valley Civilisation. The wide distribution of these standardized chert blades has been regarded a testimony to the Harappan efficiency in long distance trade and craft production. This presentation will explore the presence of Rohri chert blades from various excavated and explored sites, will make an attempt to understand the significance of their presence at a site and last but not the least throw some light on the functional aspects of these blades.