History Indus Valley Civilization Questions Long
The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world, flourishing from around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. Agriculture played a crucial role in the economy of the Indus Valley people, and they developed various tools and implements to aid in their agricultural practices.
1. Plough: The plough was an essential tool used by the Indus Valley people for tilling the soil. It consisted of a wooden or metal frame with a sharp blade or share attached to it. The plough was pulled by animals such as oxen, and it helped in breaking up the soil, making it suitable for cultivation.
2. Harrow: The harrow was another important tool used for preparing the soil. It was a wooden or metal frame with several spikes or teeth attached to it. The harrow was dragged over the ploughed field to break up clods of soil, remove weeds, and level the surface.
3. Hoe: The hoe was a handheld tool with a long handle and a flat metal blade. It was used for digging, cultivating, and weeding the soil. The Indus Valley people used hoes to loosen the soil, remove weeds, and create furrows for planting seeds.
4. Sickle: The sickle was a curved, sharp-edged tool used for harvesting crops such as wheat, barley, and rice. It had a wooden or bone handle with a metal blade. The Indus Valley people used sickles to cut the crops close to the ground, making it easier to gather and process the harvested grains.
5. Basket: Baskets were used by the Indus Valley people for various agricultural purposes. They were made from woven plant fibers or reeds and were used for carrying harvested crops, storing seeds, and transporting agricultural tools.
6. Irrigation tools: The Indus Valley people were advanced in their irrigation techniques. They used various tools and implements to manage water supply for their agricultural fields. These included canals, reservoirs, dams, and wells. The canals were used to divert water from rivers to the fields, while reservoirs and dams helped in storing water during the dry season. Wells were also dug to access groundwater for irrigation purposes.
7. Seed drill: The Indus Valley people were pioneers in using the seed drill, a tool used for sowing seeds in a systematic manner. The seed drill consisted of a long wooden or metal tube with a funnel-shaped container at one end. The seeds were placed in the container, and as the drill was pushed into the ground, it created furrows and dropped the seeds at regular intervals, ensuring efficient and uniform sowing.
These agricultural tools and implements used by the Indus Valley people reflect their advanced knowledge and skills in farming practices. Their innovative techniques and tools contributed to their agricultural success and the overall prosperity of the civilization.