Indus Valley Civilization Quiz and Flashcards

Study Notes

Overview

The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, is one of the earliest urban cultures in the world, which developed along the Indus River in the region that is now Pakistan and northwest India. The civilization is estimated to have existed from approximately 2500 BCE to 1700 BCE. It was characterized by its extensive urban planning, advanced irrigation systems, and sophisticated trade networks.

Origins

The Indus Valley Civilization is believed to have evolved from the villages of its predecessors, primarily those in the Balochistan region of modern-day Pakistan. The civilization is known to have been influenced by the Mesopotamian model of irrigated agriculture, which allowed for the growth of various crops, including wheat, barley, and cotton.

Major Settlements

The civilization had two major cities, Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, which were located on both sides of the Indus River. These cities were relatively large, with Harappa estimated to have a population of 35,000 and Mohenjo-daro potentially having more than 40,000 inhabitants. The civilization also had more than 100 smaller towns and villages distributed along the Indus River and the Arabian Sea.

Agriculture and Trade

Farming was a significant part of the Indus Valley Civilization, with the people using water channels to irrigate their fields. They were also among the first to grow cotton in the Indian subcontinent and to use it for clothing production. Trade was an important aspect of the civilization, and the use of standardized weights and measures facilitated commerce within and beyond the Indus Valley.

Writing and Script

The Indus Valley Civilization is also known for its use of a script, known as the Indus script, which has yet to be fully deciphered. However, the discovery of seal carvings with pictures of animals and the use of a common lingua franca suggests a strong degree of political and administrative control over a wide area.

Decline and End

The reasons for the decline and eventual end of the Indus Valley Civilization are still under debate among scholars. Climate change, floods, and diseases are believed to have played a role in the civilization's downfall. Some historians suggest that invasions by Aryans from the west might have also contributed to the civilization's collapse. However, the civilization's influence can still be detected in later cultures, indicating that it did not disappear suddenly.

Description

Test your knowledge about the Indus Valley Civilization, an ancient urban culture that thrived along the Indus River in present-day Pakistan and northwest India. Learn about its major settlements, agriculture, trade practices, writing system, and theories surrounding its decline.