Kot Bala

Kot Bala is an excavation site on the Makran coast containing remnants of ancient settlements built with mud brick and spanning multiple occupation periods. The site reveals several layers of habitation distinguished by different pottery types and an organized drainage infrastructure.

The site was first inhabited around 4000 BC, predating the Indus Valley civilization by centuries, and functioned as a significant harbor for maritime trade networks. It demonstrates the importance of coastal connections in early regional commerce and settlement patterns.

The site served as a hub for processing shellfish and marine resources, evident from the abundant shell middens and fish remains scattered throughout the excavation areas. This tells us how deeply the inhabitants depended on the sea for their livelihood.

The site is located in Lasbela District in Balochistan and is primarily of interest to researchers and archaeologists studying early settlement patterns. Visitors should expect uneven terrain and active excavation areas, as fieldwork continues regularly.

Excavations uncovered an early pottery kiln used for manufacturing ceramic vessels, revealing local production techniques. Houses at the site also had bathrooms with plaster-decorated walls, indicating advanced construction and decorative skills for that era.