Harrapan

The elements of the Harappan civilization originated from the agricultural settlements around the Indus River. These elements include large stone walls to protect cities and villages from the Indus' frequent strong floods. The Harappan civilization emphasized irrigation in agriculture, and this led to irrigation systems within cities. At the time the concept of drains was very advanced and today is still one of the earliest forms of citywide plumbing. The Harappans were also the first people to plan their cities, which were laid out in grid block patterns with streets perpendicular to one another.

Harappan Trade

Harappan itself covered lots of territory, both greater than the civilizations in Mesopotamia as well as Egypt. The arts in Harappan were very skillful and specialized. Most of the items made and traded had practical uses, with little forms of craftsmanship used solely for decoration. Harappans used a weight and measure system consisting of stone cubes each weighing ten times the other. This system probably helped in Harappan's trade with countries as far as Africa and Afghanistan. (Manual 98-99)

-Brooke Kushwaha