ENVIRONMENT, TRADE AND EXCHANGE:

These settlements are spread out over a vast and diverse geographical area from the lapis mining region in mountainous northern Afghanistan, to the beautiful coasts of the Arabian Sea. It stretched from the rugged highland Pastures of Baluchistan in the west, to the mineral rich deserts of Cholistan and Thar in the east. The core region of this civilization was the vast alluvial plains of the Indus River and now dried up Hakra-nara-River.

Watered by snow melt and seasonal moon soon rains, these plains provided fertile agricultural land, grazing grounds, fish, abundant wild animals and forest resources that were essential for feeding the large populations in the urban centers.  

The Indus cities were connected with rural agricultural communities and distant resources and mining areas through strong trade systems. They used pack animals, riverboats and bullock carts for transport. This trade is reflected in the widespread distribution of exquisite beads and ornaments metal tools and pottery that were produced by specialization artisans in the major towns and cities.

Cotton, lumber, grain, livestock and other foodstuff were probably the major commodities of this internal trade. A highly standardized system of weights were used to control trade and also probably for collecting taxes.

Related Topics:

• City Organization
• The Beginning of Art Symbol & Technology
• Environment, Trade and Exchange
• Religion and Belief Systems
• Clothing of Indus Valley Civilization
• Legacy of the Indus Cities in Modern Pakistan