Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones: The Harappan Civilisation

The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, flourished around 2500 BCE in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, primarily in present-day Pakistan and western India. It was one of the world's earliest urban civilizations and had well-planned cities, advanced drainage systems, and a sophisticated system of writing.

1. What were the main occupations of the people in the Harappan civilization?

The main occupations of the people in the Harappan civilization were agriculture and trade. The fertile soil of the Indus River valley allowed the Harappans to cultivate various crops, including wheat, barley, peas, and sesame. They also reared domesticated animals like cattle, sheep, and goats. The availability of surplus agricultural produce facilitated trade within and outside their settlements.

2. What were the features of the Harappan cities?

The Harappan cities were characterized by their impressive urban planning and advanced infrastructure. Some notable features of these cities include:

- Well-planned street grids: The cities had a well-laid-out grid system with straight roads intersecting at right angles, dividing the city into rectangular blocks.
- Multi-storied houses: The houses were constructed using burnt bricks and had multiple stories, indicating a prosperous society.
- Advanced drainage systems: The cities had an intricate network of covered drains and underground sewers, ensuring proper sanitation and waste management.
- Public buildings: The cities had public buildings, including granaries, assembly halls, and bathhouses.
- Citadel: Each city had a fortified area known as the citadel, which housed public buildings and possibly served as administrative centers.

3. How did the Harappans engage in long-distance trade?

The Harappans were actively engaged in long-distance trade, as evidenced by the discovery of various artifacts like beads, pottery, and seals in different parts of Mesopotamia, Iran, and Afghanistan. They used two main modes of transportation for trade:

- Land routes: The Harappans traveled overland using pack animals like bullocks and donkeys to transport goods to distant regions.
- Maritime routes: They also engaged in maritime trade by using boats or ships to navigate through rivers and coastal areas. The presence of a dockyard in Lothal, a Harappan site in Gujarat, indicates their proficiency in maritime activities.

4. What were the writing and script of the Harappans?

The Harappans had a sophisticated system of writing, but it remains undeciphered to this day. The script consists of a series of symbols and signs, known as the Indus script, found on seals, pottery, and other objects. The script is written in a linear direction, from right to left or sometimes from left to right. Despite extensive research and numerous attempts to decipher the script, its exact meaning and language remain a mystery.

In conclusion, the Harappan civilization was an advanced urban civilization that thrived on agriculture, trade, and well-planned cities. Their expertise in city planning, advanced infrastructure, and engagement in long-distance trade showcase their cultural and technological achievements. However, the undeciphered script remains a significant enigma, leaving much to be discovered about their language and written communication.

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