Recent fieldwork in the East Quarter of Mohenjo-Daro has led to the identification of a specialized industrial unit dedicated to the refinement of mineral pigments. Researchers found dozens of stone grinding slabs stained with hematite and goethite, alongside specialized terracotta crucibles used to heat-treat raw ochre to produce vibrant red and yellow hues for pottery decoration.
This 'pigment laboratory' suggests that Indus Valley artisans possessed a sophisticated understanding of chemical mineralogy. The presence of standardized pigment cakes at the site indicates that these colors were produced on an industrial scale for export to surrounding settlements, further highlighting the complexity of Harappan craft specialization and regional trade in high-value goods.