Harappan Civilization Overview

The period when both stones and copper were used to make tools.

An alloy made by mixing copper with tin or zinc, used for tools and weapons.

A civilisation that developed in the Indus Valley, known for its advanced urban planning and sophisticated technology.

A large, rectangular pool discovered in Mohenjo-daro, believed to have been used for religious ceremonies.

A raised platform in Harappan cities, likely used as a defensive structure or for residences of the elite.

Seals, pottery, sculptures, and buildings that provide evidence about the Harappan Civilisation.

A system of organization where different groups have different levels of power and authority.

A tax collected by the ruling class, possibly used to fund public projects.

The elevated, fortified part of a Harappan city, containing important buildings like the Great Bath, granary, assembly halls, and workshops.

Evidence of efficient planning and organizational skills, showing that the Harappan civilization was urbanized.

Revealing the Harappan's trade networks, religious beliefs, and written script.

A sculpture of a bearded man found in Mohenjo-daro, believed to be a yogi based on the pose.

Cemeteries found in Harappan cities, providing insights into their rituals and beliefs.

A rectangular dockyard discovered in Lothal, Gujarat, indicating maritime trade with other civilizations.

A system of writing used by the Harappans, based on pictographs of birds, animals, fish, and human forms.

The Harappan script is still undeciphered, meaning we cannot fully understand their language and writings.

The process of using molds to create metal objects. First, a wax figure is created, then coated in clay. The wax melts out, leaving a hollow clay mold that is filled with molten metal for a final casting.

A type of musical instrument found in Harappa. Possibly like a harp or lyre, with strings and a soundboard.

Objects used to hold and weigh goods, often made of stone or metal, used in Harappan cities.

Small, often decorative figures made of clay, found in Harappa. They provided insights into their daily life and activities.

Decorative objects made of precious materials like gold, silver, or ivory, worn for adornment in Harappa.

A type of stone used for making tools, weapons, and vessels, usually colored green or blue

A type of clay used for making pottery in Harappa, often decorated with geometric designs.

A theory suggesting the Harappan civilisation was established by people migrating to the Indus basin.

The theory that the Harappan civilisation was a naturally evolved product of the Indus Valley, not a result of migration.

The Harappan civilisation encompassed a wide geographical area, including parts of Pakistan (Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Chanudaro) and India (Manda, Banawali, Kalibangan).

The Harappan cities had a distinct division between the elevated citadel, housing important structures, and the lower town for residents. A wall separated the two.

The Harappan cities were planned with straight roads that intersected at right angles, resembling a grid system, for efficient movement and accessibility.

A sophisticated drainage system in Harappan cities, using interconnected drains, inspection holes, and sloping streets to collect and remove wastewater.

Harappan houses were built on elevated mounds to protect them from floods, featuring courtyards, separate bathrooms, and interconnected drainage.

Harappan houses had doors and windows opening onto streets, not main roads, for privacy and security.

A massive public structure in Mohenjo-daro, it's a 39-foot long, 28-foot wide, and 8-foot deep bathing pool built with brick and coated with plaster and tar to prevent leaks. It had steps on both sides and was surrounded by rooms.

Large structures used for storing grains, found in Harappa, Lothal, and Mohenjo-daro. The one in Mohenjo-daro was 45.71 meters long and 15.23 meters wide.

A system of exchanging goods directly without using money, practiced in the Harappan Civilization.

A large, excavated structure at Lothal, pointing to the Harappan Civilization's seafaring abilities and trade with Mesopotamia and West Asian countries.

Stone weights of different sizes, found at various excavation sites. The basic unit was 16 (equivalent to 14 grams today).

The Harappan Civilization was known for its bustling trade network, connecting them with various Asian countries. They traded in a wide range of goods like stone, metal, shells, and even imported rice and gold.

The Harappan Civilization's impressive cities, like Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, and Lothal, were centers for production, specializing in specific crafts such as tools, weapons, kitchenware, and bangles.

The Harappan Civilization had strong trade relations with Mesopotamia and West Asian countries. They even established a trading colony in northern Afghanistan to facilitate trade with Central Asia.

The belief that evil forces exist, often represented by supernatural beings or spirits, and require protection against their influence.

A sacred tree revered by the Harappans, potentially representing fertility and life.

An ancient deity, often depicted as a horned figure, associated with animal and nature worship.

The gradual decline of rainfall in the Indus Valley, leading to changes in agricultural patterns.

The process of soil becoming saltier, decreasing its fertility and making it difficult to grow crops.

The use of wood for various purposes, such as crafting tools, boats, and furniture, potentially leading to deforestation.

A theory suggesting that earthquakes caused changes in the Indus River's course, potentially leading to flooding and destruction.

Skeletal evidence suggesting a violent end for some Harappans, potentially indicating conflict or invasion.