History Indus Valley Civilization Questions Medium
The evidence of agricultural practices in the Indus Valley Civilization can be seen through various archaeological findings and studies conducted in the region.
One of the key pieces of evidence is the presence of well-planned and organized agricultural settlements. The cities of the Indus Valley, such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, were built near fertile floodplains of the Indus River, indicating that agriculture was a significant part of their economy. The cities were designed with a grid-like pattern, with streets and houses laid out in a systematic manner, suggesting a planned approach to agriculture.
Another piece of evidence is the discovery of granaries in these cities. These granaries were large structures used for storing surplus agricultural produce. The presence of such granaries indicates that the civilization had a surplus of food, which suggests advanced agricultural practices.
Furthermore, archaeological excavations have revealed the existence of irrigation systems in the Indus Valley. Canals and drainage systems have been found, indicating that the civilization had developed techniques to control water flow and manage irrigation for their crops. This suggests a sophisticated understanding of agricultural practices and the ability to manipulate water resources for agricultural purposes.
Additionally, the discovery of agricultural tools such as plows, sickles, and grinding stones further supports the evidence of agricultural practices. These tools were found in excavated sites, indicating that the civilization had developed specific tools for farming and crop cultivation.
Lastly, the presence of terracotta figurines depicting farmers engaged in agricultural activities, such as plowing and harvesting, provides visual evidence of the importance of agriculture in the daily lives of the Indus Valley people.
In conclusion, the evidence of agricultural practices in the Indus Valley Civilization includes the presence of well-planned settlements near fertile floodplains, the existence of granaries for surplus food storage, the discovery of irrigation systems, the presence of agricultural tools, and the depiction of agricultural activities in terracotta figurines. These findings collectively indicate that agriculture played a crucial role in the civilization's economy and daily life.