Periodization

The Indus Valley Tradition can be divided into four eras, and each era can be divided into various phases.

Each phase can be subdivided into interaction systems.

The Early Food Producing Era corresponds to ca. 7000-4500 BCE. It is also called the Neolithic period.

The economy of this era was based on food production, and agriculture developed in the Indus Valley.

Mehrgarh Period I belongs to this era.

The Regionalization Era corresponds to 4500-2600 BCE. The Early Harappan phase belongs to this Era.

This era was very productive in arts, and new crafts were invented.

The Regionalization Era includes the Balakot, Amri, Hakra and Kot Diji Phases.

The Integration Era refers to the period of the Mature Harappan phase. It corresponds to ca. 2600 to 1900 BCE.

It is a period of integration of various smaller cultures.

The Localization Era (1900-1300 BCE) is the fourth classification and corresponds to the Late Harappan Phase.

It refers to the fragmentation of the culture of the Integration Era.