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Culture Documents
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Important Features of Indus Valley Civilization:
Harappan Civilization Town Planning
Town planning was the hallmark of Harappan culture
Harappan towns and cities were built as per grid pattern wherein roads and
by lanes bisected each other at right angles.
Drainage system in Indus Civilization towns was very impressive.
Burnt bricks were widely used for construction purpose.
Major towns had two parts: (i) A fortified settlement/citadel on the upper
side possibly occupied by elite class people and (ii) the lower town, which had
houses occupied by common people.
Agriculture
The Indus people sowed seeds in the flood plains in November when the
flood water receded, and reaped the harvest in April before the advent of next
flood
They produced two types of wheat and barley
They also produced rai, peas, sesamum and mustard
Evidence of use of Rice has been found only from Lothal
Indus people were the earliest people to produce cotton. As cotton was first
produced in this area Greeks called it ‘sindon’ which is derived from Sindh
Domestication of Animals
Oxen, buffaloes, goats, sheep and pigs were domesticated. However,
humped bulls were favoured.
Dogs were regarded as pets. Cats were also domesticated
Asses and camels were used as beasts of burden
Horses were not in regular use
Harappan people were also familiar with Elephants and Rhinoceros
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The Mesopotamian texts of the same period refer to trade relations with
‘Meluha’ which was the ancient name given to Indus region.
With no clear evidence of currency/money being used the exchange must
have been through barter system
3
Further they believed in ghosts and evil forces and used amulets as
protection against them.
Harappan Script
Harappan script is regarded as pictographic since its signs represent birds,
fish and a variety of human forms.
The script was boustrophedon, written from right to left in one line and then
from left to right in the next line.
The number of signs of the Harappan script is known to be between 400 and
600.
The language of Harappan people is unknown as its script has not been
deciphered till date.