Strategies for Procuring Materials of the Indus Valley Civilization

Strategies for Procuring Materials of the Indus Valley Civilization

The people of the Indus Valley Civilization followed so many methods for the different crafts and their production. These Strategies for Procuring Materials were confirmed by the excavated tools, specific raw materials, unfinished, waste, and rejected works of the Indus Valley Civilization. Here are the major three ways in which the civilization Procured its artistic Materials as mentioned below....

Materials from the Subcontinent and Beyond

The Harappans employed various strategies to procure raw materials for craft production. Settlements like Nageshwar and Balakot were established in areas abundant with shell resources. Additionally, sites such as Shortughai, located in Afghanistan, were chosen due to their proximity to sources of lapis lazuli, a highly prized blue stone. Lothal, on the other hand, was strategically situated near sources of carnelian from Bharuch in Gujarat, steatite from south Rajasthan and north Gujarat, and metal from Rajasthan....

Contact with Distant Lands

Recent archaeological discoveries suggest that copper used by the Harappans may have also been sourced from Oman, located on the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Chemical analyses of both Omani copper and Harappan artifacts have revealed traces of nickel, indicating a common origin for the copper. Additionally, distinctive Harappan vessels, such as large jars coated with a thick layer of black clay, have been found at Omani sites. These vessels, with their thick coatings, were likely used to transport liquids, although the specific contents remain unknown. It is plausible that the Harappans exchanged the contents of these vessels for Omani copper....

Strategies for Procuring Materials- FAQs

How did the Harappans procure materials for craft production?...