SSC Notes: Indus Valley Civilization
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF HARAPPA CIVILIZATION
Introduction to Indus Valley Civilization
- The Indus Valley Civilization is one of the earliest known civilizations in the world.- It flourished in the north-western region of the Indian subcontinent from 2600 to 1900 BCE.- It is also known as the Harappan Civilization, named after the first site of its discovery - Harappa in Punjab, Pakistan.
Geography:
- The Indus Valley Civilization spanned across present-day Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan.- The civilization developed along the Indus River and its tributaries, namely Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, and Ghaggar-Hakra.- The rivers provided a source of water, transportation, and irrigation for the people.
Society and Economy:
- The society of the Indus Valley Civilization was urbanized, with well-planned cities and a system of governance.- The cities were fortified with walls, had a grid system of roads, and had a drainage and sewage system.- The economy was based on agriculture, trade, and handicrafts.- The people were skilled in metallurgy, pottery, and textile-making.- The civilization had an extensive trade network, as evident from the discovery of artifacts such as beads, shells, and seals from Mesopotamia, Central Asia, and the Persian Gulf.
Religion:
- The religion of the Indus Valley Civilization is not well-known, as there are no written records.- However, there are clues in the form of seals and figurines depicting various animals, such as bulls, elephants, and rhinoceroses.- Some of these animals are associated with Hindu deities, suggesting that the civilization might have had a proto-Hindu religion.
Decline:
- The cause of the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization is not clear.
Introduction to Indus Valley Civilization
- The Indus Valley Civilization is one of the earliest known civilizations in the world.
- It flourished in the north-western region of the Indian subcontinent from 2600 to 1900 BCE.
- It is also known as the Harappan Civilization, named after the first site of its discovery - Harappa in Punjab, Pakistan.
Geography:
- The Indus Valley Civilization spanned across present-day Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan.
- The civilization developed along the Indus River and its tributaries, namely Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, and Ghaggar-Hakra.
- The rivers provided a source of water, transportation, and irrigation for the people.
Society and Economy:
- The society of the Indus Valley Civilization was urbanized, with well-planned cities and a system of governance.
- The cities were fortified with walls, had a grid system of roads, and had a drainage and sewage system.
- The economy was based on agriculture, trade, and handicrafts.
- The people were skilled in metallurgy, pottery, and textile-making.
- The civilization had an extensive trade network, as evident from the discovery of artifacts such as beads, shells, and seals from Mesopotamia, Central Asia, and the Persian Gulf.
Religion:
- The religion of the Indus Valley Civilization is not well-known, as there are no written records.
- However, there are clues in the form of seals and figurines depicting various animals, such as bulls, elephants, and rhinoceroses.
- Some of these animals are associated with Hindu deities, suggesting that the civilization might have had a proto-Hindu religion.
Decline:
- The cause of the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization is not clear.
- There are various theories, including climate change, earthquakes, floods, and invasion by the Aryans.
- The civilization declined around 1900 BCE, and its cities were abandoned.
Conclusion:
- The Indus Valley Civilization was an advanced civilization with well-planned cities, a sophisticated drainage system, and a skilled workforce.- It is an important part of India's cultural heritage and has contributed to the development of modern India.
- The civilization declined around 1900 BCE, and its cities were abandoned.
Conclusion:
- The Indus Valley Civilization was an advanced civilization with well-planned cities, a sophisticated drainage system, and a skilled workforce.
- It is an important part of India's cultural heritage and has contributed to the development of modern India.
Who Discovered Indus Valley Civilization?
The discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization was not credited to a single person. Excavations were conducted by many archaeologists over a period of several decades, starting in the 1920s. Some of the key archaeologists involved in the discovery and excavation of the Indus Valley Civilization sites include John Marshall, Rakhal Das Banerji, Mortimer Wheeler, R. S. Bisht, and B. B. Lal.
Who First discovered Harappa Civilization?
Daya Ram Sahani
The Indus Valley Civilization was first discovered by the archaeologist Charles Masson in the early 19th century. However, the significance of his findings was not realized at the time. Later, in the mid-19th century, Alexander Cunningham, who was the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India, also conducted excavations at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro and recognized the existence of a great civilization in the region. It was only in the 1920s that a systematic and scientific excavation of the Indus Valley Civilization sites was carried out by Sir John Marshall, which led to the recognition of the civilization as one of the oldest in the world.
Social Life of Harappa Civilization:
The social life of the Harappa Civilization was complex and sophisticated. It is believed that the society was divided into different classes based on their occupation, wealth, and status. The following are some of the aspects of social life in the Harappa Civilization:
1. Occupational diversity: People in the Harappa Civilization were engaged in different occupations. Archaeological evidence suggests that the people were involved in farming, pottery, metalworking, bead-making, and other crafts.
2. Urban planning: The cities of the Harappa Civilization were well-planned, with grids of streets and houses built with baked bricks. The cities were divided into different sections, and each section had a specific function.
3. Trade and commerce: The Harappa Civilization was involved in trade and commerce with other regions. Archaeological findings suggest that they traded with Mesopotamia and other parts of the world. They also had an extensive internal trade network.
4. Religion: The people of the Harappa Civilization had a rich and diverse religious life. They worshiped many deities and practiced various rituals. Archaeological findings suggest that they believed in life after death.
5. Social hierarchy: The Harappa Civilization had a social hierarchy based on wealth, status, and occupation. It is believed that the rulers and priests were at the top of the social ladder, while the artisans and farmers were at the bottom.
6. Art and architecture: The Harappa Civilization produced some of the finest art and architecture of its time. The ruins of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro have revealed beautiful statues, pottery, and jewelry. The architecture of the cities was remarkable, with impressive buildings and structures.
Overall, the social life of the Harappa Civilization was complex and sophisticated. The people were engaged in different occupations, had a well-planned urban life, were involved in trade and commerce, had a rich religious life, and had a social hierarchy based on occupation and status.
What was status of Women during Harappa Civilization?
The status of women during the Harappa Civilization was relatively high compared to other ancient societies. Women had the freedom to choose their spouses, and it was common for women to receive an education and work outside the home. They were also allowed to participate in religious ceremonies and hold positions of power. The discovery of female figurines and seals suggests that women were revered in Harappan society. However, the exact role of women in Harappan society is still subject to interpretation and further research.
Who First discovered Harappa Civilization?
 |
| Daya Ram Sahani |
The Indus Valley Civilization was first discovered by the archaeologist Charles Masson in the early 19th century. However, the significance of his findings was not realized at the time. Later, in the mid-19th century, Alexander Cunningham, who was the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India, also conducted excavations at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro and recognized the existence of a great civilization in the region. It was only in the 1920s that a systematic and scientific excavation of the Indus Valley Civilization sites was carried out by Sir John Marshall, which led to the recognition of the civilization as one of the oldest in the world.
Social Life of Harappa Civilization:
The social life of the Harappa Civilization was complex and sophisticated. It is believed that the society was divided into different classes based on their occupation, wealth, and status. The following are some of the aspects of social life in the Harappa Civilization:
1. Occupational diversity: People in the Harappa Civilization were engaged in different occupations. Archaeological evidence suggests that the people were involved in farming, pottery, metalworking, bead-making, and other crafts.
2. Urban planning: The cities of the Harappa Civilization were well-planned, with grids of streets and houses built with baked bricks. The cities were divided into different sections, and each section had a specific function.
3. Trade and commerce: The Harappa Civilization was involved in trade and commerce with other regions. Archaeological findings suggest that they traded with Mesopotamia and other parts of the world. They also had an extensive internal trade network.
4. Religion: The people of the Harappa Civilization had a rich and diverse religious life. They worshiped many deities and practiced various rituals. Archaeological findings suggest that they believed in life after death.
5. Social hierarchy: The Harappa Civilization had a social hierarchy based on wealth, status, and occupation. It is believed that the rulers and priests were at the top of the social ladder, while the artisans and farmers were at the bottom.
6. Art and architecture: The Harappa Civilization produced some of the finest art and architecture of its time. The ruins of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro have revealed beautiful statues, pottery, and jewelry. The architecture of the cities was remarkable, with impressive buildings and structures.
Overall, the social life of the Harappa Civilization was complex and sophisticated. The people were engaged in different occupations, had a well-planned urban life, were involved in trade and commerce, had a rich religious life, and had a social hierarchy based on occupation and status.
What was status of Women during Harappa Civilization?
The status of women during the Harappa Civilization was relatively high compared to other ancient societies. Women had the freedom to choose their spouses, and it was common for women to receive an education and work outside the home. They were also allowed to participate in religious ceremonies and hold positions of power. The discovery of female figurines and seals suggests that women were revered in Harappan society. However, the exact role of women in Harappan society is still subject to interpretation and further research.
Religion during Harappa Civilization:
The religion of the Harappa Civilization is not fully understood, as there is no written script from the civilization to provide insights. However, archaeologists have uncovered various artifacts and structures that suggest the presence of religious practices. Some of the features that suggest the existence of religion in Harappan society include:
1. Presence of temple-like structures: Archaeologists have discovered several large structures that resemble temples in the Harappan cities. These structures were likely used for religious purposes, although their exact function is not known.
2. Terracotta figurines: Numerous terracotta figurines have been found at Harappan sites, depicting various human and animal forms. Some of these figurines may have had religious significance, although their exact purpose is unclear.
3. Animal remains: Excavations at Harappan sites have uncovered large quantities of animal remains, including those of cattle, buffalo, and sheep. The presence of these remains suggests that animals played a significant role in Harappan society, possibly in religious ceremonies or sacrifices.
4. Seals with inscriptions: Harappan seals have been found with inscriptions that are thought to be early examples of writing. Some of these inscriptions include images of animals, possibly representing deities or other religious symbols.
Overall, the religion of the Harappa Civilization remains a mystery, and much of what is known about it is speculative. However, the presence of structures, artifacts, and animal remains suggest that religion played an important role in Harappan society.
The religion of the Harappa Civilization is not fully understood, as there is no written script from the civilization to provide insights. However, archaeologists have uncovered various artifacts and structures that suggest the presence of religious practices. Some of the features that suggest the existence of religion in Harappan society include:
1. Presence of temple-like structures: Archaeologists have discovered several large structures that resemble temples in the Harappan cities. These structures were likely used for religious purposes, although their exact function is not known.
2. Terracotta figurines: Numerous terracotta figurines have been found at Harappan sites, depicting various human and animal forms. Some of these figurines may have had religious significance, although their exact purpose is unclear.
3. Animal remains: Excavations at Harappan sites have uncovered large quantities of animal remains, including those of cattle, buffalo, and sheep. The presence of these remains suggests that animals played a significant role in Harappan society, possibly in religious ceremonies or sacrifices.
4. Seals with inscriptions: Harappan seals have been found with inscriptions that are thought to be early examples of writing. Some of these inscriptions include images of animals, possibly representing deities or other religious symbols.
Overall, the religion of the Harappa Civilization remains a mystery, and much of what is known about it is speculative. However, the presence of structures, artifacts, and animal remains suggest that religion played an important role in Harappan society.
Important Gods during Harappa Civilization:
The religion of the Harappan civilization is not fully understood as there is no written record of their beliefs and practices. However, archaeologists have discovered various artifacts and symbols that suggest that the people of the Harappan civilization worshipped a variety of deities.
Some of the main gods and goddesses that were likely worshipped in the Harappan civilization include:
1. Pashupati: A male deity depicted as a seated figure with horns, surrounded by animals. Pashupati is often interpreted as an early form of the Hindu god Shiva.
2. Mother Goddess: A female deity associated with fertility and motherhood. The Mother Goddess is often depicted with multiple arms and a headdress.
3. Unicorn: A mythical creature with a single horn on its forehead. The unicorn was a popular motif in Harappan art and may have had religious significance.
4. Bull: The bull was a sacred animal in the Harappan civilization and is often depicted in art and pottery.
5. Tree Worship: Trees were also likely worshipped in the Harappan civilization, as evidenced by the presence of tree motifs in their art.
It is important to note that our understanding of the religion of the Harappan civilization is still limited and subject to ongoing research and debate among scholars.
The religion of the Harappan civilization is not fully understood as there is no written record of their beliefs and practices. However, archaeologists have discovered various artifacts and symbols that suggest that the people of the Harappan civilization worshipped a variety of deities.
Some of the main gods and goddesses that were likely worshipped in the Harappan civilization include:
1. Pashupati: A male deity depicted as a seated figure with horns, surrounded by animals. Pashupati is often interpreted as an early form of the Hindu god Shiva.
2. Mother Goddess: A female deity associated with fertility and motherhood. The Mother Goddess is often depicted with multiple arms and a headdress.
3. Unicorn: A mythical creature with a single horn on its forehead. The unicorn was a popular motif in Harappan art and may have had religious significance.
4. Bull: The bull was a sacred animal in the Harappan civilization and is often depicted in art and pottery.
5. Tree Worship: Trees were also likely worshipped in the Harappan civilization, as evidenced by the presence of tree motifs in their art.
It is important to note that our understanding of the religion of the Harappan civilization is still limited and subject to ongoing research and debate among scholars.
Economy during Indus-Valley Civilization:
The economy of the Harappa Civilization was primarily agrarian, with farming and animal husbandry as the primary means of livelihood. The Harappans were proficient in irrigation and used canals to irrigate their crops. The most important crop was wheat, while barley, peas, sesame, and cotton were also grown. The Harappans were also skilled in metallurgy, particularly in bronze, copper, and tin, and produced a variety of metal objects, including tools, weapons, and ornaments.
Trade was an important part of the Harappan economy, with evidence of long-distance trade in luxury goods such as precious stones, metals, and exotic woods. The Harappans traded with other civilizations such as Mesopotamia and Egypt, and possibly with China and Southeast Asia. They also had a well-developed internal trade network, with goods being exchanged through a barter system.
The Harappans had a system of weights and measures, which was probably used for both trade and taxation. The discovery of seals with inscriptions suggests the existence of a centralized authority that regulated trade and commerce.
Overall, the economy of the Harappa Civilization was sophisticated and well-organized, with a high level of specialization and a complex system of trade and commerce.
The economy of the Harappa Civilization was primarily agrarian, with farming and animal husbandry as the primary means of livelihood. The Harappans were proficient in irrigation and used canals to irrigate their crops. The most important crop was wheat, while barley, peas, sesame, and cotton were also grown. The Harappans were also skilled in metallurgy, particularly in bronze, copper, and tin, and produced a variety of metal objects, including tools, weapons, and ornaments.
Trade was an important part of the Harappan economy, with evidence of long-distance trade in luxury goods such as precious stones, metals, and exotic woods. The Harappans traded with other civilizations such as Mesopotamia and Egypt, and possibly with China and Southeast Asia. They also had a well-developed internal trade network, with goods being exchanged through a barter system.
The Harappans had a system of weights and measures, which was probably used for both trade and taxation. The discovery of seals with inscriptions suggests the existence of a centralized authority that regulated trade and commerce.
Overall, the economy of the Harappa Civilization was sophisticated and well-organized, with a high level of specialization and a complex system of trade and commerce.
City Planning during Harappa Civilization:
There is no direct evidence of a planned city layout in the Harappan civilization. However, the ancient cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro are known for their impressive and unique urban planning.
The cities were divided into different sections or blocks, with each block consisting of several buildings. Each block had its own well and drainage system. The buildings were made of bricks that were baked in kilns, and many had two or more floors.
One of the most impressive features of the Harappan cities is their advanced system of water management. The cities had sophisticated drainage systems that carried waste water away from the buildings and into the nearby rivers. The cities also had public baths and wells, indicating that water was an important resource.
The Harappan civilization also had a well-developed trade network. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Harappans traded with regions as far away as Mesopotamia, Oman, and Bahrain. The Harappans also had a variety of crafts and industries, including pottery, metalworking, and bead-making.
Overall, the economy of the Harappan civilization was based on agriculture, trade, and craft production. The cities were centers of trade and commerce, and the Harappans developed a sophisticated system of urban planning and water management to support their growing economy.
Mohan-Jodaro : A well planned City
The city of Mohenjo-Daro had an advanced and well-planned urban design, which is evident from the archaeological remains. Some of the key features of the city planning of Mohenjo-Daro are:
Mohan-Jodaro Wikipedia
1. Grid System : The city was built on a grid system, with streets laid out in a perfect grid pattern. The streets were straight and ran north-south and east-west.
2. Planned Neighborhoods: The city was divided into several planned neighborhoods or blocks, each with its own public space, such as a courtyard or a well.
3. Advanced drainage system: One of the most remarkable features of the city was its advanced drainage system. Each house had its own private bathroom and toilet, with a sophisticated drainage system that emptied into the city's main sewer system.
4. Public buildings: The city had several public buildings, including a large central marketplace, a public bath, and a granary.
5. Fortifications: The city was surrounded by massive fortifications, which suggests that the people of Mohenjo-Daro were concerned about security and protection.
There is no direct evidence of a planned city layout in the Harappan civilization. However, the ancient cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro are known for their impressive and unique urban planning.
The cities were divided into different sections or blocks, with each block consisting of several buildings. Each block had its own well and drainage system. The buildings were made of bricks that were baked in kilns, and many had two or more floors.
One of the most impressive features of the Harappan cities is their advanced system of water management. The cities had sophisticated drainage systems that carried waste water away from the buildings and into the nearby rivers. The cities also had public baths and wells, indicating that water was an important resource.
The Harappan civilization also had a well-developed trade network. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Harappans traded with regions as far away as Mesopotamia, Oman, and Bahrain. The Harappans also had a variety of crafts and industries, including pottery, metalworking, and bead-making.
Overall, the economy of the Harappan civilization was based on agriculture, trade, and craft production. The cities were centers of trade and commerce, and the Harappans developed a sophisticated system of urban planning and water management to support their growing economy.
Mohan-Jodaro : A well planned City
The city of Mohenjo-Daro had an advanced and well-planned urban design, which is evident from the archaeological remains. Some of the key features of the city planning of Mohenjo-Daro are:
 |
| Mohan-Jodaro Wikipedia |
1. Grid System : The city was built on a grid system, with streets laid out in a perfect grid pattern. The streets were straight and ran north-south and east-west.
2. Planned Neighborhoods: The city was divided into several planned neighborhoods or blocks, each with its own public space, such as a courtyard or a well.
3. Advanced drainage system: One of the most remarkable features of the city was its advanced drainage system. Each house had its own private bathroom and toilet, with a sophisticated drainage system that emptied into the city's main sewer system.
4. Public buildings: The city had several public buildings, including a large central marketplace, a public bath, and a granary.
5. Fortifications: The city was surrounded by massive fortifications, which suggests that the people of Mohenjo-Daro were concerned about security and protection.
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