Economic History of India - Indus Valley Civilization

Indus Valley Civilization

Indus Valley civilization, the first known permanent and predominantly urban settlement that flourished between 3500 BC to 1800 BC boasted of an advanced and thriving economic system. Its citizens practiced agriculture, domesticated animals, made sharp tools and weapons from copper, bronze and tin and traded with other cities. Evidence of well laid streets, layouts, drainage system and water supply in the valley's major cities, Harappa, Lothal, Mohenjo-daro and Rakhigarhi reveals their knowledge of urban planning. One of the theories about their end is that they eventually overused their resources, and slowly died out. Another theory is that invaders overran their civilization. RV 6.27.5: At Hariyupiyah (Harappa) he (Indrah) smote the vanguard of the Vrcivans, and the rear fled frightened."