Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) β 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 β 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
ποΈ 1. Urban Planning & Architecture
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Cities were built using a grid pattern with well-planned streets.
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Use of baked bricks in construction.
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Advanced drainage system, with covered drains and soak pits.
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Presence of public buildings, granaries, and the Great Bath.
πΎ 2. Economy & Agriculture
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Agriculture: Crops like wheat, barley, and cotton were grown.
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Domestication of animals: Cattle, sheep, and goats were reared.
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Trade: Indus people traded with Mesopotamia (modern Iraq).
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Weights & measures: Standardized weight system used for trade.
π 3. Society & Religion
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People lived in multi-roomed houses with courtyards.
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Mother Goddess worship, along with Pashupati (proto-Shiva) seals.
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No clear evidence of temples or priestly rule.
π 4. Script & Seals
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Indus script remains undeciphered.
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Seals made of steatite with animal motifs (e.g., unicorn, bull).
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Use of symbols for communication & trade.
βοΈ 5. Decline of Civilization
β 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 |
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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 |