Living In The Harappan Days

A visit to Kalibangan in Rajasthan gave me insights into the Harappa civilization which flourished circa 6000BC in the Indus valley. The local museum showcased artifacts from excavations at Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.

Archaeologists believe that Harappan artisans were skilled in crafting weapons, utensils, tools, and pieces of art from clay. copper and bronze. The habitants wore woven and dyed cotton clothes and adorned jewelry of gold, silver, and ivory. The towns had a meticulously planned road and drainage and sewerage system, and the houses were made from bricks. They cultivated wheat, rice, barley and a variety of vegetables, and domesticated animals to make their life comfortable. Priests and merchants were the ‘ruling elite’ with priests enjoying the highest authority. Slavery very much existed. The Harappans worshipped Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva.

The museum trip helped me realise how much we have in common with our Harappan forefathers in terms of food, religion, and lifestyle