The Harappan Civilization (Indus Valley Civilization)
The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, is one of the earliest urban civilizations, dating back to around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. It flourished in the northwestern parts of South Asia, covering present-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
1. Key Features of the Harappan Civilization
- Time Period: Mature Harappan Phase (2600–1900 BCE), preceded by the Early Harappan (3300–2600 BCE) and followed by the Late Harappan Phase (1900–1300 BCE).
- Geographical Extent:
- Spread across the Indus River valley and beyond.
- Major sites: Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira, Kalibangan, Lothal, Rakhigarhi, and Banawali.
- Urban Planning:
- Cities built on a grid pattern with organized streets.
- Advanced drainage systems, wells, and reservoirs.
- Citadel (fortified area) and lower town division.
- Construction Materials: Burnt bricks, stone, and wood.
2. Economy
- Agriculture:
- Primary occupation.
- Crops: Wheat, barley, rice, cotton, dates, and peas.
- Evidence of irrigation.
- Trade:
- Extensive trade networks, both internal and external.
- Goods traded: Precious stones, beads, metals, and terracotta items.
- Trade partners: Mesopotamia, Central Asia, and the Persian Gulf region.
- Use of seals for trade authentication.
- Crafts:
- Pottery, bead-making, metallurgy, and terracotta figurines.
3. Society
- Social Structure:
- Possibly hierarchical but egalitarian in urban centers.
- Evidence of skilled artisans and merchants.
- Dressing and Ornaments:
- Cotton and wool garments.
- Jewelry made from gold, silver, and semi-precious stones.
- Religion:
- No temples or palaces, suggesting a focus on community over individual rulers.
- Worship of nature, trees, and animals.
- Proto-Shiva and Mother Goddess figurines indicate religious practices.
- Use of fire altars at Kalibangan.
4. Art and Culture
- Seals:
- Made of steatite, terracotta, and copper.
- Depictions of animals, humans, and inscriptions.
- Sculptures:
- Examples include the bronze "Dancing Girl" from Mohenjo-Daro and the "Priest-King" statue.
- Pottery:
- Painted and plain pottery with geometric and floral designs.
- Writing:
- Undeciphered script with pictographs and symbols.
5. Decline of the Civilization
- The reasons for the decline remain debated. Major theories include:
- Environmental changes, such as climate change and drying of rivers.
- Overuse of natural resources.
- Possible invasions by the Aryans.
- Shift in trade routes.
6. Archaeological Importance
- Rediscovered in the 1920s by Daya Ram Sahni and R.D. Banerjee.
- Provides insights into early urban culture and social organization.
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