1.3. Subsistence Strategies

Among these, five major cities have been identified. These include Rakhigarhi, Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Dholavira, and Ganweriwala. The remaining sites come under different categories such as Regional Centres, agricultural villages, ports, and manufacturing centres. The Harappans ate a wide range of plant and animal products, including fish. Archaeologists have been able to reconstruct dietary practices from finds of charred grains and seeds. These are studied by archaeo-botanists, who are specialists in ancient plant remains.

The Harappan civilization consisted of major cities, each contributing to the civilization’s economy through various forms of subsistence. They relied on agriculture, fishing, and animal husbandry. Archaeologists studied remnants of charred grains and seeds to understand what the Harappans ate. Using their knowledge, they identified different plants like wheat and lentils that were cultivated. This scientific study helps in reconstructing past diets and understanding how people sustained themselves.

Think of this like being a chef who tries to recreate an ancient dish using only the ingredients found in old cookbooks. By examining what foods were popular in those times and what ingredients were available, a chef can imagine how meals tasted back then, just as archaeologists reconstruct the past using the leftovers of ancient meals.

Grains found at Harappan sites include wheat, barley, lentil, chickpea, and sesame. Millets are found from sites in Gujarat. Finds of rice are relatively rare. Animal bones found at Harappan sites include those of cattle, sheep, goat, buffalo, and pig. Studies done by archaeo-zoologists or zoo-archaeologists indicate that these animals were domesticated. Bones of wild species such as boar, deer, and gharial are also found.

The Harappans grew various crops, primarily grains. Archaeologists discovered these grains and animal bones from archaeological sites, indicating that the Harappans cultivated cereals like wheat and barley. They also domesticated animals such as cattle and sheep. This shows that they were engaged in both agriculture and animal husbandry to support their diet.

Imagine visiting a farmer's market today. You see all sorts of grains and meats for sale. The variety reflects a balanced diet just like the Harappans had. In this case, the market is a modern representation of how ancient harappans would have gathered food from their farms and herds.

While the prevalence of agriculture is indicated by finds of grain, it is more difficult to reconstruct actual agricultural practices. Were seeds broadcast (scattered) on ploughed lands? Representations on seals and terracotta sculpture indicate that the bull was known, and archaeologists extrapolate from this that oxen were used for ploughing.

Reconstructing exact farming practices of the Harappans is challenging. However, evidence such as tools and seals suggests that they may have used oxen to plough their fields. This indicates an understanding of crop cultivation and animal husbandry, which were crucial for their subsistence.

Think about how modern farmers often use tractors equipped with technology to cultivate their fields. The Harappans, similarly, likely used oxen, which were the technology of their time, to prepare their land for planting.

Most Harappan sites are located in semi-arid lands, where irrigation was probably required for agriculture. Traces of canals have been found at the Harappan site of Shortughai in Afghanistan, but not in Punjab or Sind. It is possible that ancient canals silted up long ago. It is also likely that water drawn from wells was used for irrigation. Besides, water reservoirs found in Dholavira (Gujarat) may have been used to store water for agriculture.

Because many Harappan settlements were in dry regions, managing water for farming was crucial. Evidence suggests they may have built canals and reservoirs to support agriculture. This demonstrates advanced planning and understanding of irrigation, crucial for farming in challenging climates.

Consider how modern-day farmers use irrigation systems to water their crops. By channeling water effectively, they ensure that their fields get enough moisture. Similarly, Harappans would have developed their version of irrigation to nurture their crops.

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