All about the Indus River Valley

Blue Indus River Valley Red https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypoSab1IbkM Red

Beginning of Indus River Valley IRV Civilization started about 2500 B.C.E. SW part of the Indus River. Largest city was Mohenjo-Daro (Pakistan). Settlements all along the river.

Impact of Geography Natural borders prevented invasion and disease: Mountains, Arabian Sea Water from river fertilized/irrigated crops. Closeness to river allowed boats to move.

Agriculture Widespread irrigation systems = food. Wheat/barley = primary crops, but rye, peas, cotton, and rice also grown. Domestication of animals also served for cultivation and as a source of food.

Trade Economy depended on trade. Trade conducted within the civilization as well as with Mesopotamia. Advancement in technology led to carts and early boats that were used as the main method of trade and travel.

Social Structure- Caste System Caste system = 4 main classes People born into social classes that could not be changed. Brahmins (priests, king, teachers) Kshatriyas (warriors and aristocrats - rulers) Vaishyas (cultivators, artisans, and merchants) Shudras (peasants and serfs)

Buildings and Structures All houses had access to water and were about the same size Houses had 1 or 2 stories Most buildings made of dry bricks No large monuments or structures Individual buildings for bathing and using the restroom (had an early "sanitation" system) Citadels were used for defense

Tools Weapons Technology Used Bronze, Copper, Iron Used Bronze to make weapons Large Irrigation System Clay Used for Art and Tools Not as advanced as Mesopotamia 1st to create measurement and weighing equipment Measuring system and tools for measurement (1st and most accurrate) Arrows were crafted Swords were made Most technology was used to help agriculture Because of isolated geography, there was no need for advanced weaponry. Boats and carts were used to help with trade

Religion  Hinduism 1700-1100 B.C.E.  Buddhism 365 B.C.E.

Gender Roles Men worked within assigned caste social class Women valued because they could produce offspring and nurse Children took on parents’ role (when old enough)