Afghan influences in Ganweriwala crafts

Ganweriwala, one of the great cities of the Seven Rivers Civilization, is located in what is now the Cholistan Desert in Pakistan. Although this city is less well known than Mohenjo-Daro or Harappa, it offers fascinating clues about the cultural and commercial exchanges of this civilization. Among these influences, the Afghan traces in the craftsmanship of Ganweriwala are particularly interesting.

A connection with the Afghan mountains

The Afghanistan region is rich in natural resources, including semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, one of the most prized materials in antiquity. This material, often associated with elites, was extracted mainly from the mines of Badakhshan in northeastern Afghanistan. The artisans of Ganweriwala used lapis lazuli to make beads, jewelry, and decorative objects. These pieces provide evidence of active trade between the Sarasvati plains and the mountainous regions of Afghanistan.

Shared techniques

The cutting and polishing techniques used at Ganweriwala show similarities with those found in Afghan craft workshops of the same period. This influence suggests either the presence of itinerant artisans or exchanges of know-how between the two regions. The geometric patterns and shapes of the jewelry, for example, reflect a shared aesthetic, evidence of a lasting cultural interaction.

Metals and tools

Afghanistan is also known for its deposits of copper and tin, two essential materials for producing bronze. The metal objects discovered at Ganweriwala, such as tools and weapons, show a quality that could be attributed to the use of imported metals or to techniques from Afghanistan, particularly from Shortugai where there was a « colony » of the Seven Rivers Civilization.

A road of exchanges

Ganweriwala was ideally located on a trade route linking the Indus Valley with the mountainous regions of Afghanistan. This strategic position allowed the inhabitants of the Seven Rivers Civilization to obtain raw materials while spreading their own products, such as pottery and textiles, throughout the Afghan territories.

Conclusion

The Afghan influences in Ganweriwala’s crafts show that this city was well integrated into a network of cultural and commercial exchanges that extended well beyond the heart of the Seven Rivers Civilization. These interactions enriched local crafts while promoting a mutual diffusion of knowledge and techniques. Ganweriwala remains a striking example of the diversity and openness of this ancient civilization.