Society and Economic Activity during Indus Valley Civilization
Agriculture was the most important economic activity during IVC.
If we look at the polity of the IVC, then we don’t find any parliamentary type of system or any monarchy.
If we look at the town planning of IVC, it can be inferred that IVC had a central authority, and by this many historians have concluded that Indus towns were administered by Rich traders and merchants.
Economic activity
Agriculture was the most essential economic activity during IVC. They cultivated crops like wheat, cotton, barley, pea, sesame, Mustard, Rye, etc.
Many Historians used to refer to cotton as Sindon which means the plant originated in the Sindhu Valley (Indus Valley).
Art and Sculptures
The artisanal industry was well established where-by Pottery and different type of sculptures, seals, etc. were created.
This shows the advancement of Indus Valley people in the arts.
Trade Relations
International trade relations were very old and since time immemorial they all have been trading with each other.
As far as Indus Valley is concerned, they established trade relations with the following areas, namely,
- Afghanistan,
- Mesopotamia,
- Sumer (Baghdad),
- Dilmun (Bahrain),
- Oman,
- Magan (Persian Gulf).
Knowledge of Metals
A good civilization is one that has knowledge about metals because of their essential benefits. IVC people know about metals like:
- Copper
- Bronze
- Tin
- Gold
- Silver
- Some semi-precious stones like Amethyst Carnelian and Lapis lazuli.
Society of IVC
According to many historians, it was a Matriarchal Society, which means that the society was controlled by Women, and women gods were more potent than male gods.
Historians have cited many mother goddess images in the form of statues and sculptures, which are the most abundant images in the Indus towns.
Looking at all the towns of IV, it seems that though the income inequality was there, though society was not discriminatory in nature, just like they are right now.
Society was quite open-minded, and they were quite aware of aesthetic looks, and they used a variety of ornaments like:
- Necklace
- Waist Band
- Bangles
- Finger Rings
They were also aware of
- Soap,
- Lipstick,
- Kajal/Eyeliner and
- the Cinnabar (Ore of Mercury)
- Tincture (For healing Wounds)
Another interesting fact is that this was the first time that rice was first cultivated in the Prayagraj Region (Allahabad region).
Religious Practices during IVC
(a) Hinduism
We have found many seals, which represent the images of God Shiva, like the Pashupati Seal. In this seal, Proto Shiva is represented with many animals.
(b) Nature Worship
We have also found a seal with a Pipal leaf, depicting the worship of nature.
(c) Mother Goddess
We have also found images of Mother Goddess, which are most abundant in the Indus Valley Towns.
(d) Shamanism (Spirit believers)
Indus Valley people also believed in spirits and were using amulets to ward off evils.
Last rite practices of Indus Valley People
There was no uniformity in the burial practices of IVC. They followed many last rite methods like:
- Fractional Burial
- Pot Burial
- Full Cremation
- Double Burial
In many places, the daily objects used by the person were buried with the dead person.
They must have believed in the other world where the dead people's spirit goes, and they must have thought that this person must be using these things.
Decline of IVC
This is the most debated question and many have a different point of view on this topic.
Some historians claimed that the Aryan invasion was the possible reason behind the decline of IVC, but this theory was rejected.
As per the scientific shreds of evidence, IVC decline happened due to inundation and frequent flooding.
By 1800 BCE, IVC completely disappears from the Indian Subcontinent.
