Introduction
The people of the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Civilization) were involved in various economic activities. They shaped their economic life in a way that laid the foundation for future societies. Here, we can observe the main aspects of their economy including agriculture, industries, trade and art.
Essential aspects of the Economy
1) Agriculture and Animal Husbandry: Agriculture was the primary occupation of the Indus Valley Civilization. They grew various crops like wheat, barley, rice, vegetables, dates, millet, peas and oilseeds depending on the climate, soil fertility and irrigation. The discovery of watermelon and date seeds in the cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro suggests that they grew watermelon and dates. The remains of cotton cloth suggest that cotton was grown as a commercial crop. Irrigation canals are found in the Indus Valley Civilization. Many granaries have been discovered. They used wooden ploughs for ploughing. The Indus people took up occupations like animal husbandry along with agriculture.
2) Industries: Harappa, Mohenjodaro and Lothal were major industrial areas. Industries like weaving, pottery, blacksmithing, metal making, etc. were prevalent. Dyeing, cloth making, tailoring etc. were other industries. They used weapons like axes, swords, shields, knives, spears, helmets, bows, arrows, spears and spears for their protection. It is known that these industries also gained importance.
3) Metals: The Indus people displayed considerable metallurgical skills by using metals like silver, gold, copper, tin and lead in their daily life. However, there is evidence that they did not use iron during this period.
4) Trade: The Indus Valley Civilization was mainly dependent on trade. Domestic and foreign trade was flourishing. Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Lothal and Kalibangan were important trading centers. Seashells were imported from Balakot in Balochistan, sankas from Lothal, slate from Khetra and Debari mines, gold from Kolar and Hatti mines, lead from South India, and Kage gold from Balochistan. Harappa, Mohenjodaro and Lothal were foreign trade centers. The Indus Valley Civilization had foreign trade with countries like Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, Persia and Syria. They used oxen, buffaloes, donkeys and camels for land transport. They knew the decimal system. Weighing stones, scales and bronze depth bars have been found in the cities of Mohenjodaro and Harappa.
5) Seals: About 1500 seals have been found in the Indus Valley. They are believed to have played an important role in their economic life. They are made of bone, terracotta and clay. Many seals have images of humans and animals. Some seals have been inscribed with pictographic writings.
6) Crafts: The Indus people were also skilled craftsmen and were quite skilled in art and architecture. The bronze statue of a dancing woman and a carved stone statue of a bearded man found in the city of Mohenjo Daro are a reflection of the artistic sophistication of the Indus people.
Conclusion
The economic life of the Indus Valley Civilization was a complex fabric woven from agriculture, industry, trade, artistry and spiritual beliefs. Their innovative practices in agriculture and trade laid the foundation for economic systems that would influence future generations. Thus, the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations, offers insights into economic mobility.