Indus river role in sustaining culture and supporting livelihood in Indus Valley: A case Study of Kehal People

Abstract

This study examines at how essential the Indus River is to the Kehal people, a riverine community that lives along the banks of rivers, and how it helps them maintain their way of life in the form of culture and economy. The Kehal, considered to be a traditionally semi-nomadic people group, have created a distinctive way of life that is closely entwined with the Indus River, they are living near Indus for time unknown. This has an impact on their economic practices, social structures, and spiritual beliefs. Their primary economic activities—fishing, boat construction, and riverine trade—are what sustain them and help to establish their cultural identity. Their daily routines, mobility, and resource management strategies are determined by the seasonal rhythms of the river, demonstrating a profound ecological understanding that has been passed down through the generations. However, the Kehal's traditional way of life is in jeopardy because of environmental deterioration, limited access to river resources, and economical pressures. Despite these obstacles, the Kehal community exhibits great endurance, adapting to changing surroundings while fighting to retain their traditional legacy. This case study demonstrates the crucial relationship that exists between the Kehal people and the Indus River, highlighting the ways in which natural resources both influence and support indigenous civilizations. The findings underline the necessity for safeguarding river ecosystems and recognizing the rights of groups like the Kehal, whose livelihoods and cultural identities are inextricably related to these natural surroundings