Pirak (Urdu: پیراک) is an archaeological site belonging to the Indus Valley civilization located in Balochistan, Pakistan. It is 20 km south of Sibi east of the Nari River. The mound is 8m high and covers approximately 12 acres (4.9 ha). The site of Pirak was first reported by Robert Raikes in 1963. It was excavated, between 1968 and 1974, before the well known sites of MehrgarhorNausharo by the French archaeological mission team led by Jean Marie Casal. According to the excavator, this site was occupied from c.1800 BCE to 800 BCE.
Pirak graveyard
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| Location | Near Perak railway station, Balochistan, Pakistan |
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| Region | Indus Valley civilization |
| Type | Archaeological site |
| Area | 12 acres (49,000 m2) |
| Height | 8m |
| History | |
| Material | Unburnt brick, pottery, iron artifacts |
| Founded | c. 1800 BCE |
| Abandoned | c. 800 BCE |
| Site notes | |
| Excavation dates | 1968–1974 |
Very early horse remains have been found in the site. Also, the site has some very early ironwork and iron artefacts. The ironwork seems to have had a gradual introduction.[1]
The excavator records three phases of unbroken occupation in Safi Pirak.
In addition to pottery items, wheeled camel figures (terracotta) as per Harappan tradition were also found at Pirak. Items made of Iron were also present in this site.[4] Different seals were also found.[5]
Rice was cultivated as main crop in Post urban Pirak and the Kachi Plain was irrigated. A canal was constructed alongside the settlement of Pirak shows continuation of irrigation facility in the region.[6] Grapes, oats and chickpeas were also grown at Pirak.[7]
29°26′37″N 67°50′38″E / 29.4437°N 67.844°E / 29.4437; 67.844
