The Harappa civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, was one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world, flourishing from around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE in what is now present-day Pakistan and India. The people of this civilization had a well-developed culture and were known for their advanced urban planning, agriculture, and craftsmanship. Although the people of the Harappa civilization did not leave behind any written records, archeological evidence suggests that they were familiar with a wide variety of animals.
One of the most prominent animals in the Harappa civilization was the cow. Cows were a sacred animal in ancient Indian culture and were revered for their milk, which was an important source of nutrition. The Harappan people may have also used cows for plowing and transportation.
The people of the Harappa civilization were also familiar with several other domesticated animals, including dogs, cats, pigs, sheep, and goats. Dogs may have been used for hunting and as companions, while cats were kept as pets and used to control rodents. Pigs, sheep, and goats were likely used for their meat and wool.
In addition to domesticated animals, the people of the Harappa civilization were also familiar with several wild animals. The Indus Valley region was home to a diverse range of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, rhinoceroses, deer, and antelopes. While it is not clear whether the Harappan people hunted these animals for food, they likely encountered them in their daily lives and may have used their hides and bones for crafting.
Fish and other aquatic creatures were also important sources of food for the people of the Harappa civilization. The Indus River, which runs through the heart of the Indus Valley, was home to a variety of fish, including catfish, carp, and sturgeon. The Harappan people may have also caught crabs and other shellfish in the nearby Arabian Sea.
In conclusion, the people of the Harappa civilization were familiar with a wide variety of animals, both domesticated and wild. The cow was one of the most prominent animals in the Harappa civilization and was likely used for milk, plowing, and transportation. Dogs, cats, pigs, sheep, and goats were also commonly kept as domesticated animals. The Harappan people may have encountered wild animals such as tigers, elephants, and deer in their daily lives, and likely used their hides and bones for crafting. Fish and other aquatic creatures were also important sources of food for the people of the Harappa civilization, who lived near the Indus River and the Arabian Sea.