The Indus Valley Civilization, a Bronze Age marvel, stretched its influence far beyond the Indus River. Haryana, a state in present-day India, played a significant role in this civilization's flourishing, hosting major urban centers and contributing to its vibrant trade network.
Major Harappan Sites in Haryana
Haryana boasts some of the most significant Indus Valley Civilization sites, including:
Rakhigarhi: Located in Hisar district, Rakhigarhi is the largest known Indus site in India and possibly the largest in the entire civilization. Excavations have revealed a well-planned city with streets, drainage systems, houses with multiple rooms, and a complex burial system.
Banawali: Situated in Fatehabad district, Banawali provides evidence of both pre-Harappan and Harappan cultures. This site is notable for its unique fire altars, pottery styles, and the discovery of a terracotta toy plough, highlighting the importance of agriculture.
Mitathal: Located in Bhiwani district, Mitathal offers insights into the early Harappan phase. This site is characterized by its distinctive circular houses and the absence of a citadel, suggesting a different social organization compared to other Harappan cities.
Artifacts and Urban Planning
The Harappan sites in Haryana showcase the civilization's advanced urban planning and craftsmanship:
Urban Planning: The cities were meticulously planned with grid layouts, wide streets, and sophisticated drainage systems. Houses were built with standardized bricks and often featured multiple rooms, courtyards, and even bathrooms.
Artifacts: A wide array of artifacts has been unearthed, including pottery, tools, ornaments, seals, and figurines. These findings shed light on the daily life, religious beliefs, and artistic expressions of the people. Notable artifacts include:
Terracotta figurines: Depicting humans, animals, and deities, these figurines provide glimpses into the Harappans' religious practices and social life.
Seals: Made of steatite and other materials, the seals often feature intricate carvings of animals and inscriptions in the Indus script, which remains undeciphered.
Pottery: The Harappans produced a variety of pottery, including painted wares with distinctive designs and shapes.
Beads and ornaments: Made from various materials like carnelian, lapis lazuli, and gold, these adornments reflect the Harappans' aesthetic sensibilities and trade connections.
Role in Trade and Commerce
Haryana's geographical location, with access to the Ghaggar-Hakra river system (believed to be the ancient Saraswati River), placed it at a crucial juncture for trade and commerce within the Indus Valley Civilization.
Agricultural surplus: The fertile plains of Haryana supported agriculture, producing surplus grains and other crops that could be traded with other regions.
Raw materials: Haryana also provided access to important raw materials like copper, which was essential for making tools and weapons.
Trade routes: The Ghaggar-Hakra river system served as a major trade route, connecting Haryana to other parts of the Indus Civilization, as well as to regions in present-day Rajasthan, Gujarat, and even Mesopotamia.
Evidence of trade: The discovery of artifacts from distant regions, such as lapis lazuli from Afghanistan and shells from the coast, at Harappan sites in Haryana confirms the existence of a vast trade network.
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