What were the main economic activities of the Indus Valley Civilization?

The main economic activities of the Indus Valley Civilization were agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship.

Agriculture played a crucial role in the economy of the Indus Valley Civilization. The people of this civilization were skilled farmers who cultivated a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, rice, and various fruits and vegetables. They developed advanced irrigation systems, such as canals and wells, to ensure a steady water supply for their agricultural activities.

Trade was another significant economic activity in the Indus Valley Civilization. The people of this civilization engaged in long-distance trade with regions as far as Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) and the Persian Gulf. They traded a wide range of goods, including textiles, pottery, precious stones, metals, and agricultural products. The presence of standardized weights and measures suggests a well-organized trade system.

Craftsmanship was highly developed in the Indus Valley Civilization. The people were skilled artisans who produced a variety of high-quality crafts, including pottery, jewelry, metalwork, and textiles. They used advanced techniques such as wheel-made pottery and intricate metalwork. The discovery of seals with intricate carvings suggests the existence of a sophisticated system of craftsmanship.

Overall, the Indus Valley Civilization had a thriving economy based on agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship. These economic activities played a crucial role in the development and prosperity of this ancient civilization.