Dairy Production in Indus Valley Civilization: Key Facts

The Indian and Canadian Archaeologists have found that dairy products were produced by Harappans even before 2500 BCE. The year 2020 marks the 100 years of discovery of Indus Valley Civilization.

Key Highlights

The study was conducted based on molecular chemical analysis. The analysis of residue in pottery found in Kotada Bhaldi, Gujarat showed traces of boiled milk. Also, the study has discovered that large quantity of milk was present. This gives clues that there might have been milk trade between different settlements.

How did the study find milk?

The pots are porous and absorb liquid present in food. The absorbed food molecules in the pot get preserves in the form of fats and proteins. The techniques such as C16 and C18 are used to detect source of foods.

The technique called Stable Isotope Analysis helps the researchers identify cattle used in dairy production. The study found that most of the cattle died when they were in their old age. This says that they might have been raised for milk. On the other hand, the goats and sheep died when they were young. This says that they might have been used for meat.

Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus Valley Civilization is also called the Harappan Civilization. It was home to largest four ancient civilizations such as India, China, Egypt and Mesopotamia. In 1920, the Archaeological Department carried out excavations in the Indus Valley and unearthed two ancient cities namely Harappa and Mohenjodaro.

The Indus Valley Civilisation is also known as the Faceless Civilisation. The civilisation had no king and no bureaucratic organizations. The civilisation is known for its big towns, trading systems, urban planning and jewellery making.

It is also called the Bronze Age Civilisation. More than 1400 Indus Valley Civilisation sites have been discovered. Of which 925 are in India and 475 in Pakistan.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2020