Dairy Production 4500 Years ago In the Indus Valley Civilization

 Early Evidence of “Dairy Production in Indus Valley Civilization” yes, a new study has revealed that dairy products were being produced by the Haprappans 4500 years ago.

This archaeological finding has been proved scientifically that dairy production was in place in the Indus Valley Civilization in 2500 BCE and the earliest known evidence of dairy production

Why this Arecological Discovery is Surprising?

The Indus Valley Civilization also called Harappan Civilization, when we discuss the Harappan civilization most of us always refer to this ancient civilization as the Metropolitian cities and larger and lower towns.

We know Harappans had great Urban Planning, sewage systems, trading systems and are well versed in Jewellery Making. But we had no idea that the common man living during the Harappan times and their lifestyle and how they were contributing in the larger network.

Key Findings From a Latest Study:

1. The results were based on Molecular Chemical Analysis of residue in shards of Pottery found at the archaeological site of Kotada Bhadli located in Gujarath. Out of 59 samples studied 22 of them showed the presence of Dairy Lipids.
2. Dairy production in India began in the 3rd millennium BC and may have been a factor behind sustaining the Indus Valley Civilization.
3. A process called Stable Isotope Analysis researchers were also able to identify the type of ruminant used for dairy. The cattle used were Cows and Buffalo, not goat or sheep.
4. The Harappans did not just use dairy for their household. The large herd indicates that milk was produced in surplus so that it could be exchanged and there could have been some kind of trade between settlements. This could have given rise to an industrial level of dairy exploitation.
5. The archaeological team also reported which type of animals were used for dairy production. They studied the tooth enamel from fossils of cow, buffalo goat and sheep found in that area.
6. Cows and water buffalo were found to consume millets, while sheep and goats ate nearby grass and leaves.
7. The Harappans would have raised cows and buffaloes for milk, whereas the goat and sheep died when young later which could have been used for Meat.

Another interesting fact to be noted here is: Cheese was also produced by the people of Indus Valley Civilization 4500 years ago.

• Traces were seen in cooking vessels indicating that milk may have been boiled and consumed
• Researchers also have found residues in a bowl showing that either heated milk or curd could have been served.
• There are also remains of a perforated vessel, and similar vessels were used in Europe to make cheese.

This is another surprising and remarkable history discovered recently, and the year 2020 marks 100 years of discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Amul featured About this finding in its “Amul Tropical Ad”

Thank you!!

Jai Hind!!