Harappan Culture

The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) is also known as the Harappan Civilization.
It flourished between 3300 BCE and 1300 BCE, with its mature phase from 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE.
The civilization was discovered in 1921 at Harappa (modern-day Pakistan) by Daya Ram Sahni.
The second major site, Mohenjo-Daro (Sindh, Pakistan), was excavated in 1922 by R.D. Banerjee.
The civilization was spread over Northwestern India, Pakistan, and parts of Afghanistan.
The Harappan Civilization covered an area of approximately 1.5 million square kilometers.
Major Harappan cities include Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira, Kalibangan, Lothal, Rakhigarhi, and Banawali.
The Harappan culture is known for its advanced town planning and urbanization.
Cities were divided into two parts: the Citadel (upper area) and the Lower Town (residential area).
The streets followed a grid pattern, and houses were made of baked bricks.
Houses had drainage systems connected to main sewers, which is a remarkable achievement.
The Great Bath, found at Mohenjo-Daro, was used for ritualistic bathing and purification.
Harappans used a standardized weight and measurement system for trade and commerce.
The Harappan script is still undeciphered and consists of pictographic symbols.
The people of the Indus Valley were skilled in crafts such as pottery, bead-making, and metallurgy.
They used materials like gold, silver, bronze, copper, terracotta, and steatite for various tools and ornaments.
The Harappans engaged in long-distance trade with Mesopotamia, Oman, and Persia.
Lothal, located in Gujarat, was a major center for trade and dockyard activities.
Kalibangan (Rajasthan) is notable for its fire altars and evidence of ploughed fields.
Dholavira (Gujarat) is famous for its water management systems and reservoirs.
The Harappans worshipped Mother Goddess, Pashupati (proto-Shiva), and sacred animals like the bull.
Seals depicting the unicorn, tiger, and rhinoceros were used for trade and identification.
The Harappans also used terracotta figurines for religious and domestic purposes.
Evidence of cotton cultivation has been found, indicating the early use of cotton textiles.
The civilization relied on agriculture, cultivating crops such as wheat, barley, peas, lentils, and sesame.
Animals like cattle, sheep, goats, and buffaloes were domesticated.
Tools and implements were made of bronze and copper using advanced metallurgy.
The decline of the Harappan Civilization began around 1900 BCE due to possible reasons like climate change, floods, deforestation, or Aryan invasion.
The Harappan script has around 400 symbols but remains undeciphered to date.
Weights were made of chert and steatite and followed a standardized ratio system.
The Great Granary at Mohenjo-Daro indicates the civilization's focus on food storage and distribution.
Artistic achievements include bronze statues like the famous "Dancing Girl" of Mohenjo-Daro.
The Priest-King statue found at Mohenjo-Daro showcases intricate artistry and the use of steatite.
Harappans built public wells to provide water to the population.
Harappan cities lacked temples or palaces, suggesting a more egalitarian society.
The civilization had a well-developed knowledge of weights, measures, geometry, and engineering.
Evidence of animal sacrifices and fire worship has been found in Kalibangan.
The decline of cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa led to the eventual disappearance of urban centers.
Harappan pottery is mostly red and black, with geometric designs and motifs.
Artifacts like seals and ornaments indicate the importance of trade and administration.
The discovery of the dockyard at Lothal suggests advanced maritime activities.
The civilization practiced a system of weights using binary and decimal systems.
There is no evidence of large-scale warfare, indicating a predominantly peaceful society.
Burial practices involved the use of graves, with grave goods indicating belief in life after death.
The Harappans used cart wheels and ploughs for transportation and agriculture.
Harappan cities were the earliest examples of planned urban settlements in the Indian subcontinent.
The Harappan Civilization laid the foundation for urbanization and economic organization in ancient India.