People have been living on the Indian subcontinent for 250,000 years! Currently there are over 1.3 billion people living in the Republic of India, making it the second most populous country in the world next to China. Learn more with Storyboard That!
G.R.A.P.E.S.: Geography, Religion, Achievements, Politics, Economy and Social Life.
This storyboard explains the economy and jobs in ancient India.
Storyboard Text
AGRICULTURE
FISHING, DIVING, AND MINING
TRADE AND CURRENCY
Agriculture developed as early as 3000 BCE with crops like wheat, barley, rice, and cotton. India was one of the first to cultivate cotton and used it to weave cloth making colorful clothing with natural vegetable dyes. They may also have been the first to raise chickens!
The rivers and oceans were full of fish and birds as well as pearls and salt. Metallurgy was another great achievement of ancient India and was a result of mines rich with gold, copper, and iron.
The rivers and oceans lent themselves to travel and trade by boat. Ancient India also imported silk, silver, tin, wool, and grain from along the Silk Road. They exported cotton, ivory, salt, pearls, beads, gold, and wood, and also created coins in 300 BCE.