The main occupation of the people of the Indus Valley Civilization was

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WBSSC Group D Official Paper (Held On: 19 Feb, 2017)
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  1. Agriculture
  2. Cattle rearing
  3. Hunting
  4. Trade

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Agriculture
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CT 1: Ancient History (Prehistoric to Gupta Age)
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Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is Agriculture.

Key Points

  • The primary occupation of the people of the Indus Valley Civilization was agriculture, as indicated by archaeological evidence.
  • They cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, peas, sesame, and cotton, with advanced irrigation systems to support agriculture.
  • Evidence of granaries in cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro suggests surplus food production and storage.
  • They practiced plough-based farming, and terracotta models of ploughs have been discovered in sites like Banawali.
  • The fertile alluvial soil along the Indus River and its tributaries made the region highly suitable for agriculture.

Additional Information

  • Granaries: Massive brick structures identified as granaries have been found in Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, indicating centralized storage for agricultural surplus.
  • Domesticated Animals: The Indus Valley people domesticated animals like cattle, sheep, and goats to support their agrarian lifestyle.
  • Trade of Agricultural Products: Surplus agricultural produce was likely traded with neighboring regions, as evidenced by seals and trade artifacts found in Mesopotamia.
  • Innovative Irrigation: They relied on seasonal river inundation and advanced irrigation techniques to maintain agricultural productivity.
  • Terracotta Artifacts: Discoveries of terracotta plough models and other tools highlight the technological advancement in farming practices during that period.
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