Horses in Harappan Civilization

The Harappan Civilization was one of the earliest civilizations in the world, which flourished in the Indus Valley from 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. The civilization was known for its advanced urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and trade networks. However, the presence of horses in the Harappan Civilization is a subject of debate among historians and archaeologists.

Lack of Evidence

There is no direct evidence of the presence of horses in the Harappan Civilization. No horse remains have been found in Harappan sites, and there are no depictions of horses in Harappan art. However, the absence of evidence does not necessarily mean that horses were not present in the civilization.

Indirect Evidence

There is some indirect evidence that suggests the presence of horses in the Harappan Civilization. For example, a terracotta figurine of a horse was found at the Harappan site of Mohenjo-daro. The figurine is small, measuring only 7.5 cm in length, and its function is unknown. However, the presence of the figurine suggests that horses may have been known to the Harappans.

Another piece of indirect evidence is the presence of horse bones in the Harappan site of Surkotada, located in the present-day state of Gujarat. The horse bones were found in a layer of soil that dates back to the late Harappan period, around 2000 BCE. However, the bones were not found in association with any Harappan artifacts, and their presence may be the result of trade or migration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the presence of horses in the Harappan Civilization is still a matter of debate. While there is no direct evidence of horses in Harappan sites, the presence of a terracotta figurine of a horse and horse bones at Surkotada suggest that horses may have been known to the Harappans. However, more evidence is needed to confirm the presence of horses in the Harappan Civilization.