A joint team of archaeologists has discovered a specialized Indus Valley Copper-Inlay Furniture Workshop at a newly identified site near the Gulf of Khambhat. While ancient wood rarely survives in the Indian climate, the workshop yielded numerous 'negative impressions' in fine clay, which have preserved the intricate wood grain and patterns of what appear to be ceremonial chairs and low tables. The artisans used thin copper wires and small hammered plates to create geometric inlays in the timber.
Researchers also recovered fine-tipped bronze chisels and stone burnishers used for polishing the metal-and-wood composites. The presence of these luxury items in a residential quarter suggests a flourishing middle class with a high demand for interior décor. This finding significantly expands our understanding of Harappan craftsmanship, moving beyond pottery and beads into the sophisticated world of ancient carpentry and high-status decorative arts.