Standardized Weights and Measures in the Mature Harappan Economy (c. 2600–1900 BCE)

1. Mature Harappan urban consolidation begins

   Jan 1, 2600 BCELabels: Mature Harappan, Indus Cities

   • Britannica
   • Harappa

2. Cubical chert weights become widespread

   Jan 1, 2600 BCELabels: Cubical Weights, Chert Artifacts

   • Harappa
   • Harappa

3. Binary series organizes small weight denominations

   Jan 1, 2550 BCELabels: Binary Series

   • Harappa
   • Harappa

4. Decimal scaling used for larger transactions

   Jan 1, 2500 BCELabels: Decimal Scaling

   • Harappa
   • Harappa

5. Common unit around 13.7 grams established

   Jan 1, 2450 BCELabels: Common Unit, 16th Ratio

   • Harappa
   • Harappa

6. Very small weights support craft and luxury trade

   Jan 1, 2400 BCELabels: Micro Weights, Chanhudaro

   • Harappa
   • 1Library

7. Standard weight sets appear at Harappa excavations

   Jan 1, 2350 BCELabels: Harappa, Weight Sets

   • Harappa
   • Harappa

8. Precision length measures documented at Lothal

   Jan 1, 2300 BCELabels: Lothal, Ivory Scale

   • Lothal
   • Harappa

9. Weights, seals, and administration operate together

   Jan 1, 2250 BCELabels: Sealing Practices, Administration

   • Nature HSSC
   • Harappa

10. Standardization spreads through Persian Gulf trade

    Jan 1, 2100 BCELabels: Persian Gulf, Dilmun

    • British Museum
    • Britannica Kids

11. Large weights enable bulk accounting and storage

    Jan 1, 2050 BCELabels: Large Weights, Institutional Accounting

    • 1Library
    • Harappa

12. Mature Harappan decline and metrological disruption

    Jan 1, 1900 BCELabels: Decline Phase, Metrological Disruption

    • Britannica
    • Nature HSSC