The Indus River Valley Civilization started about 2500 B.C.E. along the south-western part of the Indus River. The largest city was Mohenjo-Daro, in present day Pakistan, and settlements stretched all along the river.

 

Geography

• Streches across present day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan

• Natural borders consisted of mountains and the Arabian Sea, sheltering the civilization from attack and disease. Water from the river fertalized and irrigated crops. Proximity to the river allowed boats to become a viable transportation option

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Economy

• The development of widespread irrigation systems allowed the indigenous population to provide food for themselves. Wheat and barley were primary crops, however rye, peas, cotton, and rice were also grown. Domestication of animals also served as an important tool for cultivation and as a source of food

• The economy depended greatly on trade. Trade was 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

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Social

Caste system within four main classes

• People were born into classes that could not be changed

• Brahmins (priests and the king) 

• Kshatriyas (warriors and aristocrats - rulers) 

• Vaishyas (cultivators, artisans, and merchants) 

• Shudras (peasants and serfs) 

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Tools/Weapons/Technology

Tools

• Constructed from bronze and possibly copper and iron

• Clay was utilized for both art and tool manufacturing

• Developed a measuring system and tools for measurement (first, and most precise of the time)

 

Weapons

• Constructed from bronze

• Weaponry was not as advanced as it was in the Mesopotamian society

• Arrows were crafted

• Swords were not developed

• Isolated geography negated the need for advanced weaponary

 

Technology

• Large irrigation systems

• First civilization in the world to develop precise measurement and weighing equipment

• Most technology was used to aid in agriculture

• Other trade technologies such as boats and carts were employed to facilitate trade

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Religion

Hinduism

• 1700-1100 B.C.E. 

• Polotheistic

 

Buddhism

• 365 B.C.E. 

• Monotheistic

 

Gender Roles

• Men worked within their designated caste social class

• Women were valued because of their ability toproduce offspring and nurse

• When children were old enough, they adopted their parents' role