World Civilizations: Harappan Civilization

Introduction to Harappan Civilization

• Charles Mason's visit in 1829 marked the earliest recorded exploration of Harappa, associating it with Sangla, an ancient city related to Alexander the Great.
• Lt. Col. James Todd noted Kalibangan as "Kali-Bang" in the same year, highlighting early archaeological interests.
• Sir Alexander Burnes explored sites like Amri and Harappa, though he struggled to establish a chronology for findings.
• Alexander Cunningham, the first Director General of the Archaeological Survey, studied Harappa extensively between 1853 and 1875, reporting significant findings.

Archaeological Discoveries

• Harappa's circumference is approximately 4 km, with a height of 12-18 m; many site features were destroyed for railway ballast.
• Excavations were conducted from 1920-21, revealing the extensive infrastructure of Harappa and its connections to Mohenjo-daro.
• Similarities in artifacts across Harappa and Mohenjo-daro indicated significant inter-regional cultural relationships.

Seals and Scripts

• At least five Indus seals were published prior to the civilization's identification, revealing early forms of bureaucratic communication.
• Mesopotamian artifact comparisons provided insights into the trade and cultural exchanges between Harappan and Mesopotamian civilizations.

Expansion and Excavation

• Post-1947, significant Harappan sites such as Dholavira and Rakhigarhi were discovered, emphasizing a rich Archaeological heritage.
• Numerous excavations in Gujarat during prolonged explorations uncovered transitioning phases of Harappan culture.

Geographical Settings

• Harappan sites primarily located along the Indus and Ghaggar-Sarasvati-Hakra river systems, with diverse climatic and geographical features.
• Major eastern tributaries include Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej, while western tributaries consist of Gomal, Kabul, and Bolan rivers.

Climate and Agriculture

• Significant climatic changes occurred c. 9500 BCE, 3000-2500 BCE, and 1300 BCE, impacting agricultural practices and settlement patterns.
• Mehrgarh, dated back to 9000 BCE, illustrates early food production and the transition towards state-level societies, with domesticated plants and animals.

Subsistence Economy

• Early inhabitants relied on a mixture of hunting, gathering, and agriculture, cultivating crops such as wheat and barley.
• Evidence of advanced agricultural practices includes impressions of crops, utilization of sickles, and hunting of various wild animals.

Social and Cultural Developments

• Settlements in Mehrgarh exhibited rectangular mud-brick houses with multiple compartments, indicating complex societal structures and storage needs.
• Grave findings at Mehrgarh reveal rich trade networks with objects made from marine shell, turquoise, and lapis lazuli farther afield.

Artifacts and Trade

• Terracotta figurines, jewelry made from various semi-precious materials, and evidence of early dentistry (drilled teeth) highlight advanced societal practices.
• Trade routes evidenced through marine shell artifacts contribute to understanding the extent and sophistication of Indus Valley commerce.

Conclusion

• The exploration and excavation of Harappan sites offer profound insights into one of the world's earliest urban civilizations, elucidating advanced agricultural, trade, and cultural practices that underpin human history.