Harappan Culture
Language // Culture // Religion // Trade
Language.
Harappan language is different from cuneiform and hieroglyphics. There are 400 symbols that make up the indecipherable language. It was used for stamps and seals that were then stamped onto pottery.
Culture
The civilization was harmonious, the housing structures showing little to no sign of separation of social classes. Evidence of toys and other miscellaneous items suggest they were prosperous enough to produce non essential items. There was little war, and animals were a huge part of their culture.
Religion
This civilization was based around theocracy, the government was ruled by the church. Priests likely prayed for good harvests and safety from floods. Religious artifacts reveal links to modern Hindu culture. Figures show what may be early representations of Shiva, a major Hindu god. Other figures relate to a mother goddess, fertility images, and the worship of the bull. All of these became part of later Indian civilization.
Trade
Harappans traded a lot with people in the region. Things like gold and silver came from north present day Afghanistan. Minerals from Persia were crafted into jewelry. The Indus river made trade possible by providing a sufficient travel way. The Indus River provided a link to the sea. This access allowed Indus Valley inhabitants to develop trade with distant peoples, including the Mesopotamians.