What kinds of workshops have archaeologists found at Indus civilization sites?

Archaeological excavations at Indus civilization sites have provided significant evidence of occupational specialization, with research at Mohenjo-daro indicating that specific quarters of the lower city were likely inhabited by families dedicated to particular crafts.1

At the site of Lothal, archaeologists have identified distinct workshops, including:

• Bead maker’s factory: A dedicated facility for the production of beads, which were crafted from various materials including carnelian, shell, and ivory.213
• Goldsmiths’ shops: Areas identified as workshops for working with gold, which was used sparingly for ornaments such as pendants and brooches.13
• Coppersmiths’ shops: Facilities for metalworking, where copper and bronze were used to produce tools, implements, and vessels.13

Additionally, the presence of dyers’ vats at urban sites suggests the existence of specialized areas for the processing and dyeing of cotton textiles. Furthermore, large-scale industrial activity is evidenced by major factory sites located on the periphery of the civilization, such as the flint quarries at Sukkur, where stone blades were produced in quantity from prepared cores.214