Agricultural Practices and Economy of the 7 Rivers Civilization

Introduction

The 7 Rivers Civilization, commonly known as the Indus Civilization, existed between 3500 and 1900 BCE in what is now Pakistan and northwestern India. This civilization is notable for its well-planned cities, its still-undeciphered writing system, and above all, its advanced agricultural practices that supported a thriving economy.

Geography and Environment

The 7 Rivers civilization extended along the river basins of the Indus and its tributaries, including the Jhelum, Chenab, Râvi, Beas, Sutlej, Ghaggar-Hakra and the Indus itself. This network of rivers provided essential natural irrigation for agriculture, enabling the development of advanced agricultural techniques and surplus food.

Agricultural Practices

### Irrigation and Water Management

Irrigation played a crucial role in the agriculture of the 7 Rivers civilization. People built canals, dams and reservoirs to manage and distribute water from rivers. These systems allowed fields to be irrigated even in times of drought, thus guaranteeing regular harvests.

Crops

The main crops grown by the 7 Rivers civilization included wheat, barley, peas, lentils, melons, dates and cotton. Cotton, in particular, was an important crop that enabled the development of the textile industry, a main component of the economy.

Crop Rotation and Plowing Techniques

Crop rotation was a common practice to maintain soil fertility. Additionally, farmers used advanced plowing tools, such as wooden plows pulled by oxen, to plow fields more efficiently. This innovation increased agricultural productivity and contributed to economic prosperity.

Economy and Trade

Autonomy and Local Commerce

The economy of the 7 Rivers civilization was largely self-sufficient, with each city and village producing enough to support themselves. However, local trade was also flourishing, with goods such as grains, dairy products, and textiles being exchanged between different regions of civilization.

Long Distance Commerce

The 7 Rivers civilization also had trade relations with distant regions, such as Mesopotamia and Central Asia. Exported products included cotton textiles, beads, jewelry, and handicrafts. In exchange, they imported precious metals, semi-precious stones and other luxury goods.

Crafts and Industry

Crafts, particularly pottery and jewelry making, played an important role in the economy. Cities such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa were centers of crafts, producing goods that were traded both locally and internationally. The textile industry, fueled by cotton cultivation, was also a major component of the economy.

Conclusion

The 7 Rivers civilization was an advanced society whose sophisticated agricultural practices and diverse economy helped support a large population and maintain prosperous trade relations with distant regions. The success of their agriculture and economy lay in their ability to efficiently manage natural resources, innovate agricultural techniques, and develop dynamic trade. These aspects made the 7 Rivers civilization one of the most impressive civilizations of ancient times.