Fifty-Five Years of Archaeological Research in Pakistan: the Prehistoric Periods

This view shows the high western mound made up of a massive mud brick platform and brick houses of the Harappan period ( 2600 to 1900 B. C.). On top of the Harappan structures is a Buddhist period stupa made of mud brick that dates to the first century A.D.

The purpose of this article is not to present a summary of all of the major discoveries made in the last 55 years, but rather to highlight those that
have resulted in major shifts in research paradigms and interpretive frameworks.

Archaeological research in Pakistan is an international endeavor involving scholars from many nations and institutions. While the breadth of academic involvement has been stimulated by the diversity of the archaeological record, fieldwork in Pakistan would not have been -- and would not be -- possible without the policy of active cooperation and assistance followed by the government of Pakistan and, for archaeology, by the Department of Archaeology and Museums of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Heritage in particular. The recognition of the importance of international collaboration has resulted in much joint research between Pakistani and non-Pakistani scholars, and this in tum has promoted a better understanding of the archaeology and early history of the region.