The social life of the Indus Valley Civilization was systematic and well-organized. From the various archaeological remains found in this civilization, we can get an idea of their rich social life and culture.
Class System
The construction of small, medium and palatial houses in the Harappan civilization suggests that there was class discrimination.
There were three classes in the society-
- Upper class: The upper class, i.e. the first class, consisted of priests.
- Middle class: The middle class, i.e. the second class, consisted of rich merchants, artisans and warriors. The number of people in this class was very large in the Harappan civilization and their condition was also quite comfortable.
- Lower class: The lower class, i.e. the third class, consisted of poor farmers and workers.
- Slaves were at the very bottom of the society.
Info: It is important to note that though there was a class system in the Indus civilization, all the people had freedom.
Class exploitation
- The lower class of the society was exploited by the first two classes of society.
- There was no system of wealth distribution in the society and even if there was, it was not fair.
Food
- Wheat and barley were their main food.
- At that time, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets were prevalent.
- rice, millet, and pulses were also major foods.
- Fruits and vegetables were also consumed by the people.
- Dairy products such as milk and ghee were also extensively used.
- People most likely utilized honey to sweeten their food.
- It is unknown whether they knew how to cultivate sugarcane.
- People also ate animal meat such as cattle, buffalo, goat, pig, and chicken.
Clothing
- The inhabitants (both men and women) used two pieces of cloth made of cotton and wool for the upper and lower parts of the body.
- The women’s shirts, dupattas, and skirts were printed and colorful.
Jewelry and cosmetics
- The people of this civilization wore various jewelry made of gold, silver, and precious stones.
- Jewelry included earrings, necklaces, bangles, rings, nose rings, waist bands, anklets, etc.
- Both men and women kept long hair.
- It is also known from various artifacts that vanity bags, lipstick, antimony, perfumes, and various types of cosmetics were in use.
Household appliances
- Notable household items included plates, bowls, jugs, mirrors, combs, scissors, needles, razors, chairs, stools, beds, mats, etc.
Entertainment
- The main means of entertainment for the common people were dance and songs, dice games, hunting, bullfighting, chariot racing, fishing, etc.
- Judging from the artistic postures of the half-naked female statues, it is assumed that the Devadasi system was prevalent in the society.
Artistic creation
- Among the many sculptures made of stone and bronze, the plaques containing human or animal statues, dancing statues, and multiple animal statues made of bronze were excellent examples.
- In addition to stone and metal sculptures, terracotta statues of the mother goddess, bulls, elephants, bison, etc. are also particularly noteworthy.
Status of Women
- Judging by the several female statues found as a result of excavations, it is believed that women had considerable freedom in society.
- Both their families and society gave them respect.
- The Parda system was not popular.