The Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, was an ancient civilization that existed from approximately 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE in what is now present-day Pakistan and India. The subsistence strategies of this civilization were diverse and complex, and were essential to their survival and success.

Agriculture:
One of the main subsistence strategies of the Harappan civilization was agriculture. The people of this civilization were skilled agriculturalists who lived in fertile river valleys and relied heavily on the Indus River for irrigation. They grew a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, peas, lentils, and cotton. The Harappans were also known for their advanced irrigation systems, which allowed them to grow crops even in areas with low rainfall.

Trade:
Another important subsistence strategy of the Harappan civilization was trade. The people of this civilization were involved in long-distance trade with other regions, including Mesopotamia and the Persian Gulf. They traded a variety of goods, including cotton, textiles, pottery, and precious stones. This trade was essential to the economy of the Harappan civilization, and helped to ensure their survival.

Fishing and Hunting:
The Harappans also relied on fishing and hunting for subsistence. They fished in the rivers and oceans, and hunted wild animals for meat. These activities were particularly important in areas where agriculture was not possible, such as in the mountains.

Domestication of animals:
The Harappans also domesticated animals for subsistence. They kept a variety of animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens. These animals provided them with meat, milk, and eggs, and were essential to their survival.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the subsistence strategies of the Harappan civilization were diverse and complex, and were essential to their survival and success. Agriculture, trade, fishing and hunting, and domestication of animals were all important strategies that allowed them to thrive in a challenging environment.

The Harappan ate a wide range of plant and animal products including fish. Grains found at Harappan sites include wheat Barley, lentil, chickpea and sesame. Millets are found from sites in Gujarat. Findings of rice are relatively rare. Animal bones found at Harappan sites include those of cattle sheep goat buffalo and pig. Studies done by zoo-archaeologists indicate that these animals were domesticated. Bones of wild species such as bore, deer and gharial are also found. Bones of fish and fowl are also found. The prevalence of agriculture is indicated by finds of grains. But it is difficult to reconstruct actual agriculture practices.Seals and terracotta sculptures indicate that the bull was known and archaeologist extrapolated from this that options used for ploughing. Terracotta models of the plough have been found at sides in cholistan and at Banawali (Haryana). Evidence of ploughed field at Kalibangan (Rajasthan) associated with early Harappan level. The field hard to set of furrows at right angle to each other suggesting that two different crops were grown together. Most Harappan site are located in semi-arid lands, where irrigation was probably required for agriculture. Traces of canal have been founded at the Harappan site of Shortugai in Afghanistan. Water were drawn from well used for irrigation. The water reservoir found in Dholavira (Gujarat) may have been used to store water for agriculture.