Miri Fort
Discovered in the 1920’s but with archaeological excavation starting only in
the 1980’s under French technical supervision, many questions were being
posed regarding the how the history of this site would complement the archaeological
record that was being uncovered at other prehistoric sites across
the region. It was assumed that the early ceramic periods (c. 4000 BCE)
would reveal a network of trade among early civilizations, which would be
eventually followed by a deterioration of trade, and be followed by the subsequent
rise of the Indus and Kulli Civilizations at around 2500 BCE.
Instead, what was found at Miri Kalat, and at Shahi Tump, which are either
side of the river Kech, near present-day Turbat, revealed a third pattern
of settlement, one established in the Chalcolithic era and which developed
alongside trading routes and military excursions. These settlements run along
the Kech-Nihing River and the complex is referred to as the Kech Culture.
The early inhabitants of this valley began a local Pottery centre which had
begun producing fine ceramic wares around the same time or earlier than at
Mehrgarh and importantly, had the capacity to export these fine wares far
across the region.
The excavation of so many potential sites will be an ongoing project for many years; there are
likely to be several large prehistoric settlements as well as objects of interest extending up until
the medieval era. The French study of the area has mapped some 230 discrete sites, with the site
which studies possibly supporting up to several thousand inhabitants. Little is known of their
buildings or non-ceramic artefacts and as yet there is no definitive theory of their pattern of
social organization.
Therefore, there is still plenty to discover about the lives and occupations of the inhabitants of
this area and much is still to be done before we can arrive at a definitive categorization of the
‘Dasht Culture.
Another significant question that is being asked of this site is “what was the extent of trade
between the sites of Balochistan, Iran and the Near East for Cotton and goods from the East
(India)?”. As an important trading corridor it is hoped that further research may uncover some
indication of the east-west land trade routes. It is thought that such a perspective may also help
provide insight into the origin of the Indus Valley Civilization.
The earliest type of pottery found at the site relates to the first half of the fourth millennium BC,
[4000 – 3500 BCE] and is of a mature finish, having been well-fired in a kiln, around 1000°C.
It is generically known as Miri-ware, or Shahi-Tump ware, and comprises plates, goblets, and
kitchenware; usually fine and painted, either in geometric styles or with natural motifs. There are
some coarser, thicker pots that were presumably once meant for cooking. Later ceramic production
was of a finer standard than produced at Mehrgarh and examples of such have found in
surrounding settlements and as far away as northern Iran.