Wanderlust World Wanderlust World - Indus Valley Civilization flourished between 2500 BCE to 1900 BCE
- Primarily found in the basins of the Indus River wherefore it derives its name
- Also spread in the Ghaggar-Hakra River valley, which once flowed through north-western India and eastern Pakistan.
- One of the three earliest civilizations along with Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Extent
- Over 1000 settlements along the basins of the Indus River and its tributaries
- Major urban centres: Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, Ganeriwala, Lothal, Mehrgarh, Rakhigarhi, Dholavira, etc.
Town Planning
- Remarkable town planning with advanced water management systems
- Cities laid out in a grid pattern with wide paved streets
- Houses usually had multiple storeys
- Presence of wells and bathrooms indicate importance of sanitation and hygiene
Economy
- Mainly agricultural. Grew wheat, barley, sesame and cotton.
- Traded with Mesopotamia and Persia
- Used silver and gold coins as currency
Religion
- Polytheistic. Worshipped many gods and goddesses.
- The 'Pashupati' seal with a three-faced, horned deity surrounded by animals suggests worship of a proto-Shiva
Decline
- Cause of the decline is still uncertain. Probable factors include:
- Climate changes leading to flooding
- Change in river courses that disrupted agriculture
- Invasion of Aryans from Central Asia.
Discovery and Excavation
- First archaeological remains were found in mid 19th century.
- Major excavations began in the 1920s by the British archaeologist Sir John Marshall.
- Further excavations have provided valuable insights into the civilization.
Contribution to Civilization
- Standardized weights and measurement
- Advanced irrigation system.
- Developed system of writing (Indus script)
- Sophisticated hydraulic engineering.
- Use of fired brick in architecture.
- Artworks, pottery, and jewellery show an advanced level of craftsmanship.