TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS (TKS) ASSOCIATED WITH THE ECONOMIC LIFE AND ACTIVITIES OF THE INDUS PEOPLE: AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL REALISATION

Abstract

The Harappa culture, best known as the Indus Valley Civilisation, is regarded as a milestone in Indian prehistory, protohistory, and history (undivided India) for its unique achievements. Anthropologists, archaeologists, historians specialising in ancient history, and other experts have identified the Indus Valley Civilisation as a remarkable cultural phenomenon of the protohistoric period. At that time, it emerged as an example of modernity, culture, economy, technology, and overall lifestyle. The beginnings of modern human civilisation probably date from the time of the Indus Valley and other similar civilisations or cultures. Thus, the traditional Indian Knowledge System originated at that time. Since then, various forms of the Indian Traditional Knowledge (ITK) System have gradually flourished and been transmitted from generation to generation, and even across centuries. The present study aims to understand the traditional knowledge system associated with the economic life and activities of the Indus people, particularly from an anthropological perspective. This study is primarily analytical and descriptive, based on various secondary sources, especially earlier literature from different periods, with particular emphasis on the protohistoric periods.