Harappan culture, also known as the Indus Valley civilization, was a Bronze Age society that

thrived in the northwestern regions of South Asia between 2500 and 1900 BCE. Harappa
was the first city to be excavated, hence the name Harappan civilization. This civilization
was once considered a subsidiary of the Mesopotamian culture; nevertheless,
archaeological findings proved this conviction a fallacy.

Harappan culture, actually precedent the Mesopotamian civilization by two hundred

years1 Finally, researchers have drawn a clear-cut finding that ancient urban civilization in
Indus developed autonomously. Hitherto, the Indus valley script remains inexplicable.
Nonetheless, the copious seals uncovered by researchers, pottery and the ancient ruins of
Indus Valley cities, have assisted archeologists to amass incisive account of the civilization.

The most primitive traces of Indus Valley civilization were discovered along the Indus river
after excavations were performed in the primeval cities of Mahenjodaro and Harappa. The
conclusion drawn out thereof, suggested a highly composite civilization which must have
developed around five hundred years ago.

Subsequent scholarly research carried out by historians has handed over more detailed
information on the Indus valley and its dwellers2 .The presumption is that the valley was
preoccupied by Dravidians, who might have been relocated by Aryans, endowed with
sophisticated armory and military technology, as they relocated to India.

The origins of Harappan culture can be traced back to the Neolithic period, with the
emergence of farming settlements in the region. Farmers began migrating to the north and
east of the Indus Valley around 6-7 thousand years ago, establishing permanent settlements
based on agriculture. In India , the earliest form of settled agriculture dated back to the
end of the 4th millenium around Baluchistan and lower Sind3. These settlements gradually
evolved into the urban centres of the Harappan civilization. During its peak, the Harappan
civilization displayed remarkable advancements in urban planning, infrastructure, and trade.
The Harappan culture is characterized by its urban centres, which were meticulously planned
and laid out on a grid system. These urban centres were marked by large, well-built structures
and an efficient sewage and drainage system. The Harappan culture also exhibited a high
level of craft specialization, with artisans producing intricate pottery, jewellery, and
metalwork.

Furthermore, the Harappan culture is known for its advanced agricultural practices, with
evidence of Gabarbands or nalas enclosed by dams for storing water in areas of
Baluchistan and Afghanistan however canal irrigation was probably not practised and
the cultivation of various crops such as wheat, barley, rice, and pulses4. The Harappan
culture is widely recognized for its extensive trade networks within the Indus culture
zone as well as outside with Mesopotamia and Arabia, as indicated by the discovery of
Harappan seals and artefacts in these regions5. The Harappan culture left behind a rich
archaeological record, providing valuable insights into the social, economic, and cultural
aspects of this ancient civilization.

1. Daine & Sarah, 2010. p.213). Daine, P. M. and Sarah, E. L. (2010). Everyday Life in South
Asia.Pennyslivia: Indiana University Press.
2 Thapar,1996. p.97). Thapar, R. N. (1996).Historical View Of India: (Vol 11). England: Penguin.
3,AL BASHAM pg11
4.RS sharma pg 78
5.RS ShaRMA PG 80
One of the key aspects that contributed to its prosperity and growth was the extensive trade
network it established with neighbouring regions. This essay aims to explore the intricacies of
Harappan trade, examining its routes, commodities, economic significance, and the
mechanisms by which trade was conducted. By delving into the complexities of Harappan
trade, we gain valuable insights into the economic and social organization of this remarkable
ancient civilization.

1. Daine & Sarah, 2010. p.213). Daine, P. M. and Sarah, E. L. (2010). Everyday Life in South
Asia.Pennyslivia: Indiana University Press.
2 Thapar,1996. p.97). Thapar, R. N. (1996).Historical View Of India: (Vol 11). England: Penguin.
3,AL BASHAM pg11
4.RS sharma pg 78
5.RS ShaRMA PG 80