Introduction
The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations, contemporaneous with Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. It flourished along the Indus River and its tributaries in present-day Pakistan and northwest India. The civilization is known for its urban planning, trade, craftsmanship, and script.
Major Sites
- Harappa (Punjab, Pakistan) – first site discovered; gave the civilization its name.
- Mohenjo-Daro (Sindh, Pakistan) – famous for advanced city planning and Great Bath.
- Dholavira (Gujarat, India) – known for water management and urban planning.
- Lothal (Gujarat, India) – major port town; bead-making center.
- Rakhigarhi (Haryana, India) – one of the largest Harappan sites in India.
- Kalibangan (Rajasthan, India) – evidence of ploughed fields and fire altars.
Chronology
- Early Harappan Phase: 3300–2600 BCE
- Mature Harappan Phase: 2600–1900 BCE
- Late Harappan Phase: 1900–1300 BCE
Urban Planning & Architecture
- Cities were well-planned with grid layouts.
- Streets were aligned north-south and east-west.
- Citadel for administrative and ritual activities; lower town for residential areas.
- Houses made of baked bricks, with drainage systems and private bathrooms.
- Granaries indicate organized storage of food grains.
Economy
- Agriculture: Wheat, barley, peas, sesame, cotton.
- Domestication of animals: cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat.
- Craft & trade: Pottery, bead-making, seals, terracotta figurines.
- Trade links: Mesopotamia (evidenced by Indus seals found in Mesopotamia).
Technology & Craftsmanship
- Standardized weights and measures.
- Use of metals: copper, bronze, lead.
- Pottery: Painted red and black ware, wheel-thrown vessels.
- Bead-making, shell ornaments, and terracotta figurines.
Script & Language
- Harappan script is pictographic and remains undeciphered.
- Found on seals, pottery, and small tablets.
- Indicates a system of communication for trade and administration.
Religion & Culture
- Evidence of mother goddess worship and fertility symbols.
- Ritual baths like the Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro suggest ceremonial importance.
- Some seals depict animals and possible deities.
Decline
- Began around 1900 BCE; largely ended by 1300 BCE.
- Possible reasons:
- Climate change → drying of Saraswati/Indus rivers
- Floods or tectonic activity
- Decline in trade and urban centers
- Migration to rural areas → ruralization of society
Significance
Sets the foundation for study of ancient Indian society, economy, and culture.
One of the earliest urban civilizations in the world.
Advanced urban planning, drainage, craft, and trade systems.
Influenced later Indian civilizations in agriculture, settlement patterns, and craft traditions.