Chapter 1: Strategies for Procuring Materials| Class 12 History

“Strategies for Procuring Materials” is a subpart of the Class 12 history that is defined under the chapter called “Bricks, Beads, and Bones”. This part gives us a proper description of the different Strategies for Procuring Materials of the Indus Valley Civilization. They established different settlements, sent so many expeditions to find the natural elements, and also contacted other countries to extend their Procuring Materials Strategies. In this way, the Indus Valley Civilization started and maintained craft production at their times.

In this article, we will discuss the Strategies for Procuring Materials of the Indus Valley Civilization in detail.

Strategies for Procuring Materials of the Indus Valley Civilization

The people of the Indus Valley Civilization followed so many methods for the different crafts and their production. These Strategies for Procuring Materials were confirmed by the excavated tools, specific raw materials, unfinished, waste, and rejected works of the Indus Valley Civilization. Here are the major three ways in which the civilization Procured its artistic Materials as mentioned below.

Materials from the Subcontinent and Beyond

The Harappans employed various strategies to procure raw materials for craft production. Settlements like Nageshwar and Balakot were established in areas abundant with shell resources. Additionally, sites such as Shortughai, located in Afghanistan, were chosen due to their proximity to sources of lapis lazuli, a highly prized blue stone. Lothal, on the other hand, was strategically situated near sources of carnelian from Bharuch in Gujarat, steatite from south Rajasthan and north Gujarat, and metal from Rajasthan.

Furthermore, the Harappans likely organized expeditions to regions like the Khetri area of Rajasthan for copper and to southern India for gold. These expeditions would have facilitated communication and trade with local communities. Archaeological discoveries, such as the presence of Harappan artifacts like steatite micro beads in these regions, provide evidence of such contact and trade networks.

The Khetri region of Rajasthan exhibits evidence of the Ganeshwar-Jodhpura culture, characterized by distinctive non-Harappan pottery and a significant abundance of copper objects. It is plausible that the inhabitants of this region supplied copper to the Harappans, highlighting the complexity and extent of trade networks during the Harappan civilization.

Contact with Distant Lands

Recent archaeological discoveries suggest that copper used by the Harappans may have also been sourced from Oman, located on the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Chemical analyses of both Omani copper and Harappan artifacts have revealed traces of nickel, indicating a common origin for the copper. Additionally, distinctive Harappan vessels, such as large jars coated with a thick layer of black clay, have been found at Omani sites. These vessels, with their thick coatings, were likely used to transport liquids, although the specific contents remain unknown. It is plausible that the Harappans exchanged the contents of these vessels for Omani copper.

Mesopotamian texts dating back to the third millennium BCE mention copper coming from a region called Magan, possibly a reference to Oman. Interestingly, copper found at Mesopotamian sites also contains traces of nickel, further supporting the connection between these regions. Mesopotamian texts also mention contact with regions named Dilmun, likely referring to the island of Bahrain, and Meluhha, possibly indicating the Harappan region. These texts describe products from Meluhha, including carnelian, lapis lazuli, copper, gold, and various types of wood.

Depictions of ships and boats on Harappan seals suggest that communication and trade with Oman, Bahrain, or Mesopotamia likely occurred via sea routes. Mesopotamian texts describe Meluhha as a land of seafarers, reinforcing the notion of maritime trade connections between these ancient civilizations. Additionally, Mesopotamian myths mention the haja-bird in association with Meluhha, with some archaeologists speculating that this bird may refer to the peacock, possibly named after its call. Overall, these archaeological and textual findings highlight the extensive and complex long-distance trade networks that existed during the Harappan civilization.

Strategies for Procuring Materials- FAQs

How did the Harappans procure materials for craft production?

The Harappans got the raw materials from various places. They got copper probably from present-day Rajasthan, and also from Oman. Tin was brought from Afghanistan and Iran. Gold was brought may be from Karnataka.

What are the subsistence strategies of Harappan Civilization Class 12?

The subsistence strategies of the Harappan civilization were diverse and complex, and were essential to their survival and success. Agriculture, trade, fishing and hunting, and domestication of animals were all important strategies that allowed them to thrive in a challenging environment.

How did the Harappans procure their food?

There is evidence that the Harappans cultivated Italian millet, ragi and amaranth, as well as sorghum and rice. Oilseeds such as sesame, linseed, and mustard were also grown.

What was the craft production of the Harappan civilization Class 12?

The goldsmiths made gold and silver jewellery copper smiths made utensils and the bronze smith made tools weapons and metal sculptures. The people were also engaged in other crafts like brick laying boat making stone cutting masonry and carpentry. Spinning and weaving were important occupations.

What is lapis lazuli in history?

In the early Christian tradition lapis lazuli was regarded as the stone of Virgin Mary. In late classical times and as late as the Middle Ages, lapis lazuli was often called sapphire (sapphirus in Latin, sappir in Hebrew), though it had little to do with the stone today known as the blue corundum variety sapphire.

How did Harappan procure raw materials?

The Harappans got the raw materials from various places. They got copper probably from present-day Rajasthan, and also from Oman. Tin was brought from Afghanistan and Iran.