What did India export during Indus valley civilization?
During the Indus Valley Civilization (circa 3300–1300 BCE), which thrived in what is today Pakistan and northwest India, a variety of goods were exported. The archaeological evidence and historical analysis suggest the following exports:
- Agricultural Products:
- Grains: Wheat, barley, and possibly rice.
- Cotton: The Indus Valley Civilization is credited with early cotton cultivation and textile production.
- Craft Items:
- Beads and Jewelry: Made from carnelian, lapis lazuli, turquoise, and other semi-precious stones.
- Pottery: Fine and painted pottery that was highly valued.
- Terracotta Figurines: Small clay figures depicting humans and animals.
- Metals and Tools:
- Copper and Bronze Items: Tools, weapons, and ornaments made of copper and bronze.
- Gold and Silver Jewelry: Finely crafted jewelry items.
- Shell and Ivory Products:
- Shell Bangles and Ornaments: Items made from sea shells.
- Ivory Carvings: Small decorative items carved from ivory.
- Other Goods:
- Wooden Items: Including furniture and decorative items.
- Lapis Lazuli: Particularly sourced from mines in Afghanistan, processed, and possibly re-exported.
Trade networks of the Indus Valley Civilization extended to regions such as Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), the Persian Gulf, Central Asia, and possibly Egypt. Goods from the Indus Valley have been found at various archaeological sites in these regions, indicating a well-established trade system.
In return, the Indus Valley Civilization imported various goods, including precious stones, metals, and luxury items that were not locally available, demonstrating a complex and prosperous economic system.
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