Kot Bala Mound — Lasbela Balochistan
Kot Bala — Lasbela port · Harappan Makran port · Phor valley mound
Mature Harappan (2600–1900 BCE, coastal Harappan)·Harappan (coastal port, Makran–Lasbela network)·🇵🇰 Balochistan, Lasbela District, Phor valley near coast (Harappan port), Pakistan
About
About Kot Bala Mound — Lasbela Balochistan
Kot Bala Mound — Lasbela Balochistan in Balochistan, Lasbela District, Phor valley near coast (Harappan port), Pakistan is a Mature Harappan (2600–1900 BCE, coastal Harappan) pyramid/mound site attributed to Harappan (coastal port, Makran–Lasbela network) culture. The tell/mound rises markedly above the plain, with stratified mudbrick and burnt levels documenting successive rebuilds. Excavations reveal early planning, drainage and cult installations. Comprehensive stratigraphy and published sections allow detailed phasing. Systematic survey, magnetometry and radiocarbon provide chronology.
Why it mattersKey Harappan (coastal port, Makran–Lasbela network) mound/pyramid informing urbanism and monumentality debate; long stratigraphy anchors regional chronology; type-site for local ceramic sequence.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of earliest level — radiocarbon vs ceramic seriation unresolved
- 02Function of platform — defense vs ritual vs flood refuge debated
Theories
- 01Urban genesis — mound as autonomous centre vs secondary foundation
- 02Hydraulic hypothesis — platform responding to irrigation and flood control
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.2600–1900 BCE (Mature Harappan port settlement)
- Period
- Mature Harappan (2600–1900 BCE, coastal Harappan)
- Culture
- Harappan (coastal port, Makran–Lasbela network)
- Purpose
- Pyramidal mound / tellsite — Harappan (coastal port, Makran–Lasbela network) settlement with monumental platform, controlling regional trade and irrigation
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.2600–1900 BCE (Mature Harappan port settlement)
Initial major platform/tell settlement founded
c.2000 BCE
Peak occupation with citadel and lower town
1900
Early antiquarian soundings
1950–80
Modern stratigraphic excavations establish sequence
On the ground
Structures & features
25.9000° N · 66.3000° E · 12 m · 3 mapped features
Kot Bala Mound — Lasbela Balochistan — Citadel/platform mound
pyramidMain high mound/platform with mudbrick terraces and retaining walls — central pyramid/mound
25.9003° N · 66.3003° EKot Bala Mound — Lasbela Balochistan — Lower town/lower mound
settlementLower settlement sprawl with streets, drains and domestic quarters at foot of main mound
25.8992° N · 66.2995° EKot Bala Mound — Lasbela Balochistan — Temple/granary complex
templeCult or storage complex on platform summit — plastered hall with podium and drainage
25.9005° N · 66.2996° E