Growing up in the Indus Valley - Indus Valley - Year 4

The Indus Valley, a cradle of ancient civilization, was home to a vibrant culture where even the youngest members enjoyed a variety of playthings. Archaeological excavations have unearthed an array of clay toys that shed light on the lives of children during that era. These artifacts include miniature carts, animals, and even intricately designed toys such as model cows with movable heads and toy monkeys adept at sliding down ropes. A particularly cherished item among Indus Valley children might have been pull-along animals on wheels, a type of toy that still captures the imaginations of children today.

Life for a child in the Indus Valley was a blend of education, work, and leisure. While it remains uncertain how many children received formal schooling, those who did were instructed in literacy and religion by scribes and priests, respectively. For the majority, however, learning occurred through active participation in family activities like farming, hunting, and crafting. Despite their responsibilities, children found joy and camaraderie playing in courtyards or atop the flat roofs of their homes, where they could easily mingle with neighbouring peers. They also engaged in board games, playing with six-sided dice dotted with spots, a concept believed to have originated with the Indus people themselves.