1. Introduction

The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the earliest urban civilizations of the Indian subcontinent. It developed mainly in the Indus River system and adjoining regions.

The civilization is famous for its well-planned cities, sophisticated drainage system, standardized weights and measures, craft specialization, long-distance trade and distinctive material culture.

2. Discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization

Archaeological investigations at Harappa began during the nineteenth century. Systematic excavations in the early twentieth century revealed the existence of a previously unknown urban civilization.

3. Chronology of the Harappan Civilization

The Harappan cultural tradition is generally studied through different developmental phases.

4. Geographical Extent

The Harappan Civilization covered a vast geographical area extending across present-day Pakistan and parts of north-western and western India.

5. Important Sites of the Harappan Civilization

6. Town Planning

Sophisticated town planning was one of the most remarkable features of the Harappan Civilization.

Major Features

• Cities were generally divided into planned sections.
• Streets followed an organized layout.
• Houses were commonly constructed using standardized baked bricks.
• Many houses had courtyards and bathing areas.
• Efficient drainage systems were constructed.
• Public and residential structures were carefully planned.

7. Drainage System

The Harappans developed an extensive drainage network. Household drains were often connected with street drains.

• Covered drains were widely used.
• Household wastewater was directed into street drains.
• Drains were generally constructed using bricks.
• Provision was made for cleaning and maintenance.

8. The Great Bath

The Great Bath is one of the most famous structures discovered at Mohenjo-daro.

It is a large, carefully constructed bathing structure located in the citadel area. Its exact function is uncertain, although it is commonly interpreted as being associated with ritual or ceremonial bathing.

9. Agriculture

Agriculture was an important component of the Harappan economy. Archaeological evidence indicates the cultivation of several crops.

Major Crops

• Wheat
• Barley
• Peas
• Sesame
• Dates
• Cotton

10. Animal Husbandry

Domesticated animals played an important role in the Harappan economy.

• Cattle
• Buffalo
• Sheep
• Goat
• Dog
• Pig
• Elephant

11. Trade and Commerce

The Harappans maintained extensive internal and long-distance trade networks. Trade connected different settlements and linked the Harappan region with neighbouring areas.

Major Trade Connections

• Mesopotamia
• Oman region
• Iranian Plateau
• Afghanistan

Seals, weights, beads, metals, pottery and other archaeological objects provide evidence of commercial activity.

12. Weights and Measures

The Harappan Civilization had a relatively standardized system of weights and measures. Cubical stone weights have been found at several sites.

Such standardization suggests organized economic activity and developed trade networks.

13. Crafts and Industries

Specialized craft production was an important feature of Harappan urban society.

• Pottery making
• Bead making
• Metalworking
• Stone carving
• Shell working
• Jewellery making
• Textile production

14. Metallurgy

The Harappans were familiar with several metals.

15. Harappan Script

The Harappans used a distinctive writing system found mainly on seals, pottery and other objects.

The script has not yet been conclusively deciphered. Most known inscriptions are relatively short.

16. Religion and Religious Practices

Archaeological evidence suggests that Harappan religious practices may have included fertility-related beliefs, animal symbolism, sacred trees and ritual bathing.

Important Evidence

• Female figurines, sometimes interpreted as fertility figures.
• Seals depicting animals and human-like figures.
• Evidence associated with sacred trees.
• Possible ritual bathing.
• Animal symbolism.

17. Art and Sculpture

Harappan artists produced sculptures, seals, terracotta figures, pottery and ornaments.

18. Social Life

Harappan society was urban and economically diverse. Evidence of specialized occupations suggests divisions of labour involving agriculture, crafts, trade and other activities.

• Farmers
• Craft workers
• Traders
• Metalworkers
• Potters
• Bead makers

19. Dress and Ornaments

Archaeological evidence indicates the use of ornaments made from gold, silver, copper, shell, stone and semi-precious stones.

Beads and jewellery were produced through specialized craft activities.

20. Transport

The Harappans used both land and water routes for movement and trade. Terracotta models and archaeological evidence indicate the use of carts and boats.

21. Decline of the Harappan Civilization

The decline of the urban Harappan Civilization was a gradual and regionally varied process. Large urban centres declined after the Mature Harappan phase, while many settlements continued in different forms.

Possible Factors

• Changes in river courses.
• Environmental and climatic changes.
• Changes in rainfall patterns.
• Transformation of long-distance trade networks.
• Ecological pressures.
• Regional economic and social changes.

22. Major Features of the Harappan Civilization

23. Major Sites and Their Special Features

24. BPSC Quick Revision

25. BPSC Practice Questions

26. BPSC Exam Focus

27. Conclusion

The Indus Valley or Harappan Civilization was a major urban civilization of the ancient Indian subcontinent. Its major characteristics included planned cities, sophisticated drainage, standardized construction, craft specialization, agriculture, trade and water management.

For BPSC preparation, special attention should be given to important Harappan sites, their distinctive features, town planning, drainage, economy, agriculture, trade, religion, art, script and the various explanations for the transformation and decline of Harappan urbanism.