1. All about the Indus River Valley

2. Blue Indus River Valley Red
Red

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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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)

8. 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

9. 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

10. Religion
 Hinduism B.C.E.
 Buddhism 365 B.C.E.

11. 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)