Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) – SSC CGL & UPSC Study Material
Introduction
The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), also called the Harappan Civilization, was one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations. It flourished between 2500 BCE – 1750 BCE in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent (modern-day India and Pakistan). The civilization is known for its advanced town planning, drainage system, and trade networks.
Key Features of Indus Valley Civilization
🏙️ 1. Urban Planning & Architecture
✅ Cities were built using a grid pattern with well-planned streets.
✅ Use of baked bricks in construction.
✅ Advanced drainage system, with covered drains and soak pits.
✅ Presence of public buildings, granaries, and the Great Bath.
🌾 2. Economy & Agriculture
✅ Agriculture: Crops like wheat, barley, and cotton were grown.
✅ Domestication of animals: Cattle, sheep, and goats were reared.
✅ Trade: Indus people traded with Mesopotamia (modern Iraq).
✅ Weights & measures: Standardized weight system used for trade.
🎭 3. Society & Religion
✅ People lived in multi-roomed houses with courtyards.
✅ Mother Goddess worship, along with Pashupati (proto-Shiva) seals.
✅ No clear evidence of temples or priestly rule.
🔠 4. Script & Seals
✅ Indus script remains undeciphered.
✅ Seals made of steatite with animal motifs (e.g., unicorn, bull).
✅ Use of symbols for communication & trade.
⚔️ 5. Decline of Civilization
✅ Major Theories:
- Natural disasters (floods, earthquakes).
- Drying up of rivers (Saraswati River theory).
- Aryan invasion theory (disputed).
Important Sites of Indus Valley Civilization
| Site | Location | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|
| Harappa | Punjab, Pakistan | Granaries, cemetery, stone sculptures |
| Mohenjo-Daro | Sindh, Pakistan | Great Bath, dancing girl statue, priest-king figure |
| Dholavira | Gujarat, India | Water conservation system, large reservoirs |
| Lothal | Gujarat, India | Dockyard, rice cultivation evidence |
| Kalibangan | Rajasthan, India | Fire altars, ploughed fields |
| Rakhigarhi | Haryana, India | Largest Harappan site in India |