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archaeology

Discovery of a 4,500-Year-Old 'Indus Valley Stone-Vat Textile Refinery' and Indigo Processing Unit in Coastal Gujarat

📅 April 10, 2026 📰 Heritage India News
Discovery of a 4,500-Year-Old 'Indus Valley Stone-Vat Textile Refinery' and Indigo Processing Unit in Coastal Gujarat

A large-scale textile refinery has been identified at a previously unexcavated Harappan outpost near the Gulf of Khambhat. The site features a series of massive interconnected stone vats and specialized basalt rollers used to prepare dyes such as indigo and madder for high-quality cotton production. This find marks the first time such an extensive industrial-scale dyeing system has been found in the region.

Excavations reveal that the Indus Valley textile refinery was part of a major maritime export hub. Chemical analysis of organic residue in the vats confirms the use of advanced mordanting techniques, allowing the civilization to produce vibrant, long-lasting colors that were highly sought after in the markets of Mesopotamia and Dilmun. The presence of specialized drainage channels indicates a sophisticated understanding of industrial waste management.

Original source: Heritage India News