Question

What are the aspects of Harappan economy that have been reconstructed from archaeological evidence?

Answer 1

Archaeologists have reconstructed a highly advanced and prosperous Harappan economy by studying physical remains left behind. The evidence reveals a well-organised system divided into agriculture, domestic craft production, and extensive long-distance trade networks.

1. Agriculture and Food Production
   1. Crops Grown: Main crops included wheat, barley, lentils, chickpea, sesame, and millets (found in Gujarat).
   2. Farming Tools: Terracotta models of ploughs (found at Banawali) and ploughed fields (at Kalibangan) show advanced farming.
   3. Irrigation Systems: Traces of canals found at Shortughai (Afghanistan) and water reservoirs at Dholavira (Gujarat) show artificial water management.
2. Craft Production and Specialisation
   1. Dedicated Centres: Towns like Chanhudaro were completely devoted to craftwork like bead-making, shell-cutting, and metal-working.
   2. Raw Materials: They sourced specialised materials like lapis lazuli from Shortughai, carnelian from Bharuch, and copper from Khetri (Rajasthan).
   3. Standardisation: Highly uniform chert stone weights and identical baked brick sizes show centralised industrial control.
3. Inland and Long-Distance Trade
   1. Local Networks: Used bullock carts and river boats to move raw materials domestically between rural and urban centres.
   2. International Trade: Exchanged goods with West Asian regions like Oman, Dilmun (Bahrain), and Mesopotamia.
   3. Trade Evidence: Harappan seals, weights, and distinctive black jars have been excavated far away in Mesopotamian cities.