Shortugai (Shortughai) was an Indus civilization trading colony established around 2000 BC on the Oxus river near the lapis mines in northern Afghanistan.^[1][2] According to Sergent, "not one of the standard characteristics of the Harappan cultural complex is missing from it".^[3]

The town consists of two hills called A and B by the excavators. One of them was once the town proper, the other one the citadel. Each of them is about 2 hectares large.

Findings[edit]

Typical finds of the Indus Valley Civilization include one seal with a short inscription,^[4] clay models of cattle with carts^[5] and painted pottery.^[6] Pottery with Harappan design, jars, beakers, bronze objects, gold pieces, lapis lazuli beads, other types of beads, drill heads, shell bangles etc. are other findings.^[7] Square seals with animal motiff and script confirms this as a site belonging to Indus Valley Civilisation (not just having contact with IVC).^[7] Bricks had typical Harappan measurements.

Dryland farming[edit]

A ploughed field with flax seeds in this site indicate dry land farming and irrigation canals dug to bring water from Kokcha (25 km distance) also indicate efforts put in agriculture.^[7]

Trading post[edit]

Shortugai was a trading post of Harappan times and it seems to be connected with lapis lazuli mines located in the surrounding area.^[7] It also might have connections with tin trade (found at Afghanistan) and camel trade.^[7]