Harappan Trade explores the vital role of trade in the Indus Valley Civilization, revealing how economic networks shaped their society and culture.
Dismissing the idea that agriculture was the sole driver of development, the book highlights the Indus Valley as a key player in the Bronze Age economy through extensive trade routes.
It examines the exchange of goods like copper and precious stones, as well as agricultural surpluses, revealing a complex system that facilitated cultural exchange.
The book progresses from establishing the geographical and social context of the Harappan civilization to examining major trade routes, including maritime trade with Mesopotamia (referred to as Meluhha in ancient texts) and overland routes to Central Asia.
By analyzing artifacts, seals, and employing archaeometry, Harappan Trade paints a vivid picture of the Harappan society’s interconnectedness.
It further delves into the social and political implications, such as the roles of merchants and the impact on social stratification, before discussing the decline of trade and its possible link to the civilization's collapse.
