Harappan Civilisation: A Century of Exploration and Mysteries

20 Sep 2024

On September 20, 1924, John Marshall, then-Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), announced the discovery of the “Indus Valley Civilisation” through an article in The Illustrated London News. 

More about the discovery

  • This 100 year old announcement came after significant discoveries at the Harappa and Mohenjo-daro sites.
  • It marked a monumental moment in the study of South Asian history. 
  • The Harappan civilisation flourished  around 2,500 BC (Bronze Age) in western part of South Asia, in contemporary Pakistan and Western India.
  • It continues to intrigue scholars for its advanced urban planning, metallurgy, ceramics, water management, and undeciphered script.

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Key Sites and Discoveries 

  • Harappa (Pakistan) was first excavated in 1921-22 by Daya Ram Sahni.
  • Harappan CivilisationMohenjo-daro was uncovered by Rakhal Das Banerji in 1922. 
  • Both archaeologists unearthed seals, pottery, and metal artifacts, leading to Marshall’s recognition of a civilisation spread across vast distances, including areas now in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. 
  • With about 2,000 known sites, the civilisation’s major centers include Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Ganweriwala, Rakhigarhi (India), Surkotada (India), Lothal (India) and Dholavira (India).
  • Geographical Extent:
    • Westernmost:Sutkagendor (in Balochistan, Pakistan) 
    • Easternmost: Alamgirpur (Western UP) 
    • Northernmost: Mandu (Jammu) 
    • Southernmost: Daimabad (Ahmednagar, Maharashtra)

Harappan Achievements

  • Urban Planning: Grid-pattern streets, water reservoirs, drainage systems, and standardised brick construction.
  • Craftsmanship: Bronze and copper artifacts, beads, seals with inscriptions, and intricate terracotta products.
  • Advanced Civilization: Standardised weights and measures, use of a script, and maritime contacts with West Asia.

Harappan Site Location Important Features & Findings
Sutkagendor Pakistan-Iran border
  • Coastal site.
  • Evidence of trade with Mesopotamia and Oman
  • Possibly a trading outpost on the Makran coast.
Chanhudaro Sindh, Pakistan
  • Known for bead-making, shell-working, and metal crafts
  • No fortified walls, indicating it was an industrial hub.
Kalibangan Rajasthan, India
  • Early use of plowed fields
  • fire altars, evidence of ritual practices
  • brick-lined drains.
Lothal Gujarat, India
  • Dockyard for maritime trade
  • Evidence of the bead industry, rice cultivation and terracotta figurines.
Dholavira Gujarat, India
  • Sophisticated water conservation system
  • large city layout with distinct zones
  • signboard with Indus script.
Rakhigarhi Haryana, India
  • One of the largest Harappan sites.
  • Evidence of planned settlements
  • Human burials with grave goods.
Mohenjo-daro Sindh, Pakistan
  • Great Bath, granary
  • Advanced drainage system
  • large urban center with well-planned streets and houses.
Harappa Punjab, Pakistan
  • Granaries
  • Evidence of urban planning
  • Cemetery with burial practices
  • Advanced metallurgy.

Challenges and Continuing Mysteries

  • Undeciphered Script: The Harappan script remains a mystery.
  • Reasons for Decline: The reasons behind the decline of the Harappan civilization are unclear.
  • Pre-Aryan Origins: Scholars have made significant contributions to understanding the civilization’s pre-Aryan origins.
  • Connections to Earlier Cultures: The Harappan civilization’s connections to earlier cultures like Mehrgarh are being explored.

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Decline of Indus Valley Civilisation

  • No consensus on causes: The decline of the Indus Valley Civilization remains debated, with multiple theories proposed.
  • Environmental change: Gradual climatic shifts may have led to agricultural collapse due to overpopulation and resource exploitation.
  • Sudden environmental events: Tectonic activity could have caused floods, dried rivers (like the Sarasvati), or other natural disasters.
  • Human intervention: Invasions by hill tribes or Indo-Aryans possibly disrupted trade and weakened cities.
  • Epidemic theory: Some suggest an epidemic or similar disaster may have contributed.
  • Complex decline: Likely a combination of natural and human factors.

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Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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