Early, Mature and Late Harappan Phases. Decline of harappan culture and Indus Valley Civilization

Indus Valley Civilization (IVC): Structure and Significance

• The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), also known as the Harappan Civilization, flourished in modern-day Pakistan and Northwest India, representing a pinnacle of early urban development.

• Geographical Spread and Phases

  • Regions Covered: Modern-day Pakistan, Northwest India.
  • Phases:
    • Early Harappan Phase: Foundation for development. Examples include Kot Diji and Amri.
    • Mature Harappan Phase: Peak of civilization, featuring major urban centers.
    • Post-Urban Harappan Phase: Transition to smaller rural settlements.

  

• Urban Planning and Infrastructure

  • Key Urban Centers: Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira, Lothal.
  • Urban Features:
    • Grid-patterned streets.
    • Standardized baked brick construction.
    • Fortified walls, citadel and lower town divisions.
    • Advanced drainage and water management systems (e.g., Dholavira).
    • Public structures: Great Bath, granaries.
    • Artificial mounds for flood protection.
    • Lothal: Notable dockyard for maritime trade.

  

  

• Economic and Social Structure

  • Economic Foundations:
    • Agriculture: Wheat, barley, peas, mustard; use of plows, irrigation, crop rotation.
    • Animal husbandry: Cattle, sheep, goats, buffalo.
    • Trade: Extensive long-distance trade with Mesopotamia and Central Asia; trade of beads, pottery, shells, metals.
    • Specialized crafts: Pottery (Red Ware, Black-and-Red Ware), bead making, metallurgy, tool making (stone, copper).
  • Social Organization:
    • Hierarchical structure evidenced by burial variations, public structures, and fortifications.
    • Organized workshops indicating craft specialization.
    • Occupations: Farmers, craftsmen, merchants, administrators.

  

• Archaeological Discoveries and Cultural Aspects

  • Artifacts: Pottery, seals, terracotta figurines, metal objects.
  • Burial Customs: Diverse practices, some with elaborate grave goods, indicating social stratification and beliefs about the afterlife.
  • Indus Script:
    • Undeciphered script found on seals and artifacts.
    • Potential roles: Administrative, commercial, religious.
    • Significant enigma hindering full cultural understanding.

  

  • Religion and Daily Life:
    • Animal motifs and religious symbols on seals.
    • Terracotta figurines suggesting fertility deities.
    • Entertainment: Games, music, dance.

  

  

• Decline and Legacy

  • Signs of Decline: Urban decay, migration to rural areas, changes in pottery styles.
  • Factors Contributing to Decline:
    • Environmental: Reduction in monsoon rains, drying of rivers (Ghaggar-Hakra), possible tectonic activity.
    • Economic: Decline in long-distance trade, resource depletion.
    • Social: Shift to rural agrarian lifestyles, changes in social structures.
  • Legacy:
    • Elements of urban planning, craft techniques, and religious beliefs persisted in later civilizations.
    • Archaeological discoveries provide ongoing cultural insights.

  

• Significance in UPSC Examinations

  • Key Topics:
    • Unique features of Harappan cities.
    • Sophisticated drainage systems.
    • Role of Lothal as a dockyard.
    • Theories surrounding the civilization’s decline.
    • Urban layout, economic structure, social organization, and contributions to art and craft.