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It is introduction of history about India with urban economy. An urban economy is characterized by a vast network of relationships which transcend its physical space. You will see in this unit how then I of the raw materials and the- extent of contact with the contemporary West Asian Civilization. Of course all this knowledge about the Harappan civilization is gained through various historical sources and they have been mentioned in the Unit. What is important for us is the fact that the relationship between the city and the village was unequal. By developing as centres of administration or religion the cities attracted the wealth of the entire country. This wealth was siphoned off from the hinterland in the form of taxes, tributes, gifts or purchases of goods. In the Harappan society this wealth was controlled by the most powerful section of the urban society. At the same time the rich and well off sections in the city led a luxurious life. Social superiority was reflected the buildings constructed by them and the acquisition of-luxury items which were not locally available this indicates that a major reason for cities establishing contacts with faraway land: was to cater to the needs of the rich and powerful. This may be one of the factors behind the Harappans attempt to establish links with the faraway lands. The area formed by Harappa, Bahawalpur and Mohenjodaro seems to have been the, core region of the Harappan civilization. However, settlements showing overwhelming Harappan influence have been found in an area of approximately 1.8 million square km. A pertinent question to ask here is that how some Harappan out-posts is found in such far flung areas as Shortughai in Afghanistan and Bhagatrav in Gujarat? The plausible answer seems to be economic inter-dependence and trade network between different regions. Differential access to basic resources was crucial in linking various regions of Indus Valley. These resources included agricultural products, minerals, timber, etc. and this could be achieved by establishing trade routes. Emerging in the fertile Indus-Hark plains, the rich Harappans wanted possession of more and more luxury items. In quest of this they strengthened the ties that already existed with central Asia and Afghanistan. They also established settlements in places like Gujarat and the Gangetic about Indus Valley. We could begin with the evidence of the existence of granaries in Harappa and Mohenjodaro. These large structures were meant for storing grains. As pointed out earlier urban centres depend on the villages for their foods. The presence of granaries indicates the attempt of the rulers to possess an assured source of food supply. Presumably food grains work brought from the surrounding villages and stored here. I this in turn would be redistributed to the townsmen. Grains are a bulk commodity, which are consumed every day. Vast quantities of grains would have to be collected and transported in bullock carts and boats. It would be difficult to haul up large quantities of food over a great distance. That is why it has been found that towns were usually located in the most fertile areas that were available in the region, and I probably the grains were collected from the surrounding villages.
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history about India, history of India, Indian history, about Indus valley, the Indus valley, Harappan civilizations,
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