Enamel isotopic data from the domesticated animals at Kotada Bhadli, Gujarat, reveals specialized animal husbandry during the Indus Civilization

Abstract

During the Mature period (2600–1900 BCE) of the Indus Civilization, Gujarat was occupied by two types of settlements, the settlements with predominantly Classical Harappan traits and the settlements with predominantly Sorath traits. Most reconstructions of the data conclude that the settlements with Classical Harappan traits in Gujarat were engaged in the production and trade of non-perishable Harappan-style goods, while the settlements with Sorath traits focused on agro-pastoralism. To date, no major attempt has been made to understand the nature of the agro-pastoralism practiced in these Sorath settlements. This pilot study based on the oxygen and carbon isotope data from cattle/buffalo, sheep, and sheep/goat teeth from the Sorath settlement of Kotada Bhadli (2400–2000 BCE) suggests that this settlement was indeed engaged in specialized seasonal herding of the domesticated animals. Comparing these data with published data on cattle/buffalo, sheep and goat from the nearby Harappan settlement of Bagasra indicates that a distinct form of sedentary animal husbandry was practiced at the site of Kotada Bhadli, the nature of which is considerably different from that practiced at the permanent settlement of Bagasra. At Kotada Bhadli both wild flora and agricultural waste were utilized as fodder, depending on their seasonal availability. Such seasonal availability, and the diversification of fodder selection may suggest a regional adaptation to the local climate by the agro-pastoralists during the Late phase of the Mature period (2300–1900 BCE) of the Indus Civilization. The strontium isotopes from the tooth enamel suggest the domesticates consumed at Kotada Bhadli were most likely raised locally, with a grazing catchment not extending far from the settlement. The results also suggest that at least in Gujarat during the Mature period of the Indus Civilization, carbon isotope values along with tooth morphology might be used to distinguish between sheep and goats, due to human practices involving the deliberate use of millets as fodder for sheep but much less so for goats.