Markets and Economy in Rakhigarhi: Trade on the Sarasvati

Rakhigarhi, one of the largest cities of the Seven Rivers Civilization, located on the banks of the Sarasvati River, played a central role in the trade of this civilization. This city, active between 5500 and 3900 years ago, was a real economic center where the inhabitants participated in various commercial activities.

Rakhigarhi Markets

The people of Rakhigarhi had established markets where goods were exchanged between different villages and towns in the area. These markets were essential for the local economy and allowed people to obtain products that they could not produce themselves.

The main commodities traded in these markets included:

– Ceramics: Pottery and earthenware vessels were widely used to transport and store food and liquids.

– Jewelry: The 7 Rivers civilization was famous for its jewelry made of gold, silver, copper and semi-precious stones. These jewels were traded not only for their beauty, but also as a form of wealth.

– Agricultural products: People traded grains, vegetables, fruits and other local agricultural products, as agriculture was central to their livelihood.

The Economy of Rakhigarhi

Rakhigarhi’s economy flourished due to its strategic location near the Sarasvati, a river once considered one of the most important in the region. This river was the only one to be deified. It played a crucial role in the transportation of goods and facilitated trade with other cities of the Seven Rivers Civilization.

The proximity of the Sarasvati River made it easy for the people to transport their products to distant cities like Kalibangan and Harappa. Ships carried ceramics, textiles, metals and other goods on this waterway. This made Rakhigarhi a major trading hub.

Long distance exchanges

Rakhigarhi was not limited to local trade. Archaeological evidence shows that the city had contacts with regions as far away as Mesopotamia, located in present-day Iraq. Beads, shells and other objects found at Rakhigarhi suggest trade with other major civilizations of the time.

These long-distance exchanges show that the Seven Rivers civilization was well integrated into the international trade of the time. Through these trade networks, ideas, technologies and cultures also circulated, enriching local society.

Conclusion

The markets and economy of Rakhigarhi show us a well-organized civilization, where trade played a vital role. Thanks to the Sarasvati, Rakhigarhi was not only a prosperous city locally, but also a trading center connected to other parts of the ancient world. This trade contributed to the prosperity and stability of the civilization of the seven rivers, a very advanced society for its time.