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

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.