Metallurgy and Construction Techniques of the 7 Rivers Civilization (Indus-Sarasvati)

The Seven Rivers Civilization, known for its well-planned cities and innovations, had developed advanced techniques in metallurgy and construction. These skills were essential to building their great cities and creating everyday tools.

Metallurgy

The inhabitants of this civilization worked with several metals, especially copper and bronze. They mastered the art of melting and molding copper to make tools, weapons, and even decorative objects. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, was used to create stronger, more durable, and resistant objects. The casting technique consisted of pouring the molten metal into clay molds to obtain the desired shape. These tools were mainly used in agriculture, construction, and other domestic tasks.

Archaeological excavations have revealed metalworking workshops in several cities, suggesting a sophisticated organization of metal production and distribution. It is also possible that trade in these metals and objects played an important role in their economy.

Construction

Construction was another specialty of this civilization. Their cities were famous for their urban plans, with straight streets, brick houses, and very efficient drainage systems. The bricks used were standardized in size, which made it easier to assemble the walls. These bricks were made of clay and fired in kilns to make them strong and weather resistant.

Houses were often two-story, with flat roofs, and the walls were thick to protect against the heat. Public buildings, such as warehouses and baths, were also built of brick and showed impressive organization.

Hydraulic systems

Water management was another key aspect of construction in this civilization. They built reservoirs, wells and drainage systems to evacuate wastewater and collect rainwater. The famous Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro is a striking example of this mastery. This public basin, made of bricks and plaster, was used for rituals or public baths, which shows their attention to hygiene and social practices.

Conclusion

Metallurgy and construction in the Seven Rivers civilization were areas where they excelled, using ingenious methods to meet their practical and spiritual needs. These innovations allowed their cities to prosper and become centers of culture and commerce, while also contributing to the improvement of daily life.