Discuss the evidence of craft production in Early Historic cities. In what ways is this different from the evidence from Harappan cities?

A wide range of artefacts have been recovered from excavations at different sites in early historic cities, so it is clear that craft production flourished in early historic cities.

Fine pottery bowls, and dishes with a glossy finish, known as Northern Black polished ware have been found which were probably used by rich people.

Ornaments, tools, weapons, vessels, made of wide range of materials such as gold, silver, copper, bronze, ivory, glass, shell and terracotta have been found which suggest abundance of raw material available for craft production.

Votive inscription have been found which tells us about people who lived in towns with different occupations.

In different ways we can tell that craft activity of historic cities was different from Harappan cities.

i) In Harappa; material evidence was found, pieces of shell, bits of stone and metals indicate that these materials might have been used for making pots, necklace etc.

In historic cities; Northern black polished ware pottery, bowls and dishes have been found.

ii) There are no textual sources or inscription found as an evidence for craft production in Harappa. In historic cities, many inscriptions have been found suggesting craft activity.