What inventions were used in the Indus Valley for labor/work, politics, and religion?
The Indus Valley Civilization, which thrived around 2600 to 1900 BCE, was one of the earliest urban settlements in ancient history. While there is limited evidence about specific inventions from that period, there were several notable advancements in various aspects of life, including labor/work, politics, and religion. Here are some of the significant developments associated with these areas:
Labor/Work:
1. Advanced Urban Planning: The cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, featured well-planned streets, drainage systems, and standardized bricks, suggesting impressive town planning and construction techniques.
2. Irrigation Systems: The inhabitants of the Indus Valley region developed an intricate network of canals and wells, indicating an understanding of hydraulic engineering for agricultural purposes.
3. Craftsmanship: The people of the Indus Valley were skilled in various crafts, including pottery, metallurgy, and bead-making. They produced high-quality pottery with distinct designs, made copper and bronze tools, and created intricate jewelry.
Politics:
1. Centralized Governance: The existence of well-planned cities with standardized architecture and public structures suggests the presence of a centralized authority guiding urban administration.
2. Citadel: Many Indus Valley cities featured fortified citadels, elevated structures with defensive walls, suggesting the need for organized defense systems and governance.
3. Seals and Script: The Indus Valley Civilization developed a script that has not been entirely deciphered yet. Inscriptions found on seals indicate the presence of an administrative system involving record-keeping, trade, or possibly political communication.
Religion:
1. Terracotta Figurines: The civilization produced various terracotta figurines depicting humans, animals, and mythical creatures. These figurines suggest the presence of religious or cultic practices.
2. Ritual Baths: Large public bath complexes with steps, tanks, and drains have been discovered in several Indus Valley cities. These may have been used for religious rituals or purification ceremonies.
3. Worship of Fertility Goddess: The figures of a female deity, often associated with fertility, have been found in several archaeological sites, indicating the worship of a mother goddess or an Earth goddess in the religious practices of the Indus Valley Civilization.
It is important to note that the Indus Valley Civilization remains incompletely deciphered, and more research and discoveries may provide further insights into the inventions and advancements in labor/work, politics, and religion during that time.