Introduction: The Harappan civilization was one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world, which flourished around 2600-1900 BCE. Archaeologists have found several artifacts and structures that provide evidence of the social and economic life of the Harappan people.

Archaeological Evidence: The archaeological evidence of the Harappan civilization includes the discovery of several sites, such as Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Dholavira. These sites have revealed the existence of a well-planned urban center with a sophisticated drainage system, public baths, granaries, and houses made of baked bricks.

Social Life of the Harappan People: Archaeologists have found several artifacts that provide evidence of the social life of the Harappan people. For instance, the discovery of seals with inscriptions and figurines of animals, such as cows, buffaloes, and goats, suggests that the Harappans were familiar with the domestication of animals. Additionally, the finding of terracotta figurines of women and children implies that the Harappans had a well-structured family system. The discovery of burial sites with pottery, ornaments, and other artifacts implies that the Harappans practiced burial rituals.

Economic Life of the Harappan People: Archaeologists have also found several artifacts that provide evidence of the economic life of the Harappan people. For instance, the discovery of granaries and storage jars suggests that the Harappans had a well-developed system of food storage and distribution. Additionally, the finding of copper and bronze artifacts implies that the Harappans were skilled in metallurgy. The discovery of a dockyard at Lothal indicates that the Harappans were engaged in maritime trade.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the Harappan civilization was a well-planned urban center with a sophisticated social and economic system. Archaeologists have found several artifacts that provide evidence of the social and economic life of the Harappan people. The division between the social and economic life of the Harappan people has been made based on the archaeological evidence found at various Harappan sites.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS TRACK SOCIO ECONOMIC DIFFERENCES THROUGH FOLLOWING METHODS :

•••BURIALS - At burials in harappan sites the dead were generally laid in pits. Some graves contain pottery and ornaments perhaps indicating a belief that these could be used in afterlife.
Jewellery has been found in burials of both men and women . In some instances the dead were buried with copper mirrors. But on the whole it appears that the harappans did not believe in burying precious things with the dead.

•••AVAILABILITY OF LUXURIOUS GOODS

Another strategy to identify social differences is to study artefacts, which archaeologists broadly classified as utilitarian and luxuries. Rare objects made from valuable materials were concentrated as mohenjodaro and harappa.. but not in less civilised area like kalibangan.