Harappan Civilization Discovery

10 Questions

Where was the Harappan Civilization discovered?

In the Indus Valley region

What was the purpose of the seals used by the Harappan Civilization?

For administrative and trade purposes

What was unique about the city of Lothal?

Its dockyard

What is suggested by the existence of citadels in Harappan cities?

A centralized authority

What is believed to be a possible cause of the decline of the Harappan Civilization?

Natural disasters like floods and changes in river courses

What was unique about the streets of the Harappan Civilization?

They were laid out in a grid pattern

What was the main feature of the drainage system in the Harappan Civilization?

Covered drains made of bricks

What was the basis of the economy of the Harappan Civilization?

Based on agriculture and domesticated animals

What was a unique feature of the houses in the Harappan Civilization?

They were made of baked bricks

What was a characteristic of the metal work in the Harappan Civilization?

They used both copper and bronze

Study Notes

Discovery of the Harappan Civilization

Discovered in the 1920s during excavations in the Indus Valley region by archaeologists like John Marshall and Rakhal Das Banerjee.
Extensive trade with Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) evidenced by seals and artifacts.

Important Sites of the Harappan Civilization

Mohenjo-daro: Located in present-day Pakistan, one of the largest and most well-known Harappan cities.
Harappa: In Pakistan, gave its name to the civilization.
Lothal: In Gujarat, known for its dockyard.
Kalibangan: In Rajasthan, known for its unique fire altars.
Dholavira: In Gujarat, known for its sophisticated water management system.

Society

Urban Society: Cities were centers of trade, craft, and administration.
Social Hierarchies: Possibly stratified society based on occupation.

Religious Practices

Seals and Figurines: Depictions of possibly deities and rituals.
Fire Altars: Found in some sites, suggesting fire worship.

Features of the Harappan Civilization

Centralized Authority: Evidenced by citadel structures in major cities.
Administration: Seals used for administrative purposes, possibly indicating a ruling elite.

Town Planning

Grid Layout: Cities were planned on a grid pattern with streets crossing at right angles.
Citadels: Higher area within the city, likely used for administrative and religious purposes.

Harappan Streets

Well-planned: Laid out in a grid pattern, with some streets as wide as 30 feet.
Drainage: Each house had access to a covered drainage system that emptied into main drains below the streets.

Economy of the Harappan Civilization

Agriculture: Based on wheat, barley, and domesticated animals.
Crafts and Industries: Skilled craftsmen in pottery, metallurgy, and bead-making.
Metal Work: Copper and bronze artifacts found, indicating advanced metallurgical skills.

Houses

Brick Construction: Houses were made of baked bricks.
Standardized Layout: Typically had a courtyard surrounded by rooms.

Unique Features of the Harappan Civilization

Harappan Script: Yet to be fully deciphered, found on seals and tablets.
Measurement System: Standardized weights and measures.
Art and Craft: Terracotta figurines, pottery with distinct designs.

Drainage System

Advanced: Covered drains made of bricks, designed to carry wastewater away from residential areas.
Sanitation: Indicates concern for hygiene and public health.

Decline of the Harappan Civilization

Possible Causes: Natural disasters like floods, changes in river courses, and ecological degradation.
Aryan Migration: Some scholars suggest migration of Aryans as a factor.