Indus Valley Civilization (Sindhu Ghati Sabhyata)
1. Introduction
The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the world's earliest urban civilizations. It flourished around 2500 BCE to 1900 BCE during the Bronze Age. It developed along the banks of the Indus River and its tributaries.
It is considered one of the most advanced ancient civilizations along with Mesopotamia and Egypt. The civilization is famous for its well-planned cities, advanced drainage systems, standardized weights and measures, and highly organized urban life.
2. Discovery of Indus Valley Civilization
- Discovered in 1921 by Dayaram Sahni at Harappa.
- In 1922, R.D. Banerjee discovered Mohenjo-daro.
- Sir John Marshall announced it to the world.
- Largest site: Rakhigarhi (Haryana)
- Most developed site: Mohenjo-daro
3. Important Sites and Their Features
Harappa (Punjab, Pakistan)
- Granary
- Coffin burial
- Two rows of six granaries
Mohenjo-daro (Sindh, Pakistan)
- Great Bath
- Assembly Hall
- Large granary
Dholavira (Gujarat, India)
- Water conservation system
- Unique town planning
- Stadium structure
Lothal (Gujarat)
- Dockyard
- Trade center
4. Town Planning
Indus Valley cities were divided into two parts:
- Citadel – Elevated area for administrative or religious activities.
- Lower Town – Residential area.
Cities were built in grid pattern. Roads cut each other at right angles. Houses were built with baked bricks. Each house had a bathroom and drainage connection.
The drainage system was the most remarkable feature. Covered drains ran along the main roads.
5. Economic Life
Agriculture
- Wheat and barley were main crops.
- First to grow cotton.
- Use of wooden plough.
Trade
- Internal and external trade.
- Trade with Mesopotamia.
- Use of seals for trade.
Crafts
- Bead making
- Pottery
- Metal works (Copper, Bronze)
6. Social Life
- Urban society
- Use of ornaments
- Men and women both wore jewelry
- Believed in mother goddess
7. Religion
- Worship of Mother Goddess
- Pashupati Seal (Proto-Shiva)
- Tree worship
- Animal worship
8. Script
The Indus script remains undeciphered. It is written from right to left. It consists of around 400 symbols.
9. Decline of Indus Valley Civilization
- Climate change
- Floods
- River drying (Saraswati)
- Decline in trade
10. Importance for UPSC & State PSC
- Frequently asked in Prelims.
- Mains questions on urban planning.
- Comparison with Mesopotamia.
- Archaeological evidence based questions.
Conclusion
The Indus Valley Civilization was a highly advanced and organized civilization. Its urban planning, drainage system, trade network, and cultural development show the high level of intelligence and administrative skills of the people.
Understanding this topic deeply helps in Prelims MCQs as well as Mains analytical answers.