100 years of discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization

Syllabus: Ancient India

Source: TH

Context: 2024, marks the centenary of the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization, spanning 2,000 sites across India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

First announced by John Marshall in 1924, this Bronze Age civilization, also known as the Harappan civilization, remains an enigma. Known for advanced town planning, metallurgy, and craftsmanship, its mysteries continue to captivate researchers.

Harappa and Mohenjo-daro were the first sites discovered by archaeologists Daya Ram Sahni and Rakhal Das Banerji. The civilization thrived from 3200 BCE to 1500 BCE, with sites spread over 1.5 million sq. km. Its contributions rival other ancient civilizations, filling gaps in South Asian history. However, much remains unknown, including the deciphering of its script and reasons for its decline.

Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC):

• It was a Bronze Age civilisation in the northwestern regions of South Asia, lasting from 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE.

• It is also known as the Harappan Civilisation, after Harappa (now in Pakistan) – the first of its sites to be excavated early in the 20th century.

• It stretches over an area spanning northeast Afghanistan, much of Pakistan and western and northwestern India.

• It thrived in the Indus River basins and along a network of rivers that originally flowed near the ephemeral Ghaggar-Hakra river in northwest India and eastern Pakistan.

• The civilisation is noted for its urban planning, baked brick houses, elaborate drainage and water supply systems, handicraft techniques (carnelian products, seal carving) and metallurgy (copper, bronze, lead and tin).

Important sites:

Decline: Climate change → weaker monsoons → reduced water supply → gradual drying of the soil → scattering of population eastward and southward.

Findings of the new study (by the University of Cambridge):

• Droughts that began 4,200 years ago gripped the civilisation and went on for over two centuries.

• The protracted droughts severely affected food systems and habitation patterns → forcing the people of the IVC to make systemic changes to adapt → a more self-reliant lifestyle.

• They reorganised their large cities and moved towards the east of the region in smaller rural settlements.

• They also had to make changes to their agricultural practices → relying more on drought-resilient crops such as millet.

Influence and lessons that can be derived from the urban planning and cultural aspects of IVC for present-day cities:

Aspect | Influence and Lessons for Present-Day Cities

City Planning | Present-day cities can focus on sustainable development, efficient land use, and robust infrastructure networks inspired by the systematic urban planning of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Sanitation Systems | Learning from the advanced sanitation systems of the Indus Valley, modern cities can prioritize well-designed sanitation systems, waste management, and access to clean water for public health.

Planned Neighbourhoods | Present-day cities can promote walkable neighbourhoods, mixed land-use planning, and public spaces to enhance community and social connectivity, taking inspiration from the planned neighbourhoods of the Indus Valley cities.

Cultural Diversity | Embracing cultural diversity, modern cities can create inclusive spaces, cultural events, and opportunities for dialogue among diverse communities, similar to the cultural diversity exhibited in the Indus Valley Civilization.

Environmental Awareness | Inspired by the environmental awareness of the Indus Valley, present-day cities can prioritize green spaces, sustainable transportation, and eco-friendly urban design to address environmental challenges and ensure a sustainable future.

Difference between the Indus Valley Civilization and other ancient civilizations:

Insta Links:

Mains Links:

To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilisation provided inputs to present-day urbanisation? Discuss. (UPSC 2014)

Prelims Links: UPSC 2013

Which of the following characterises/characterises the people of the Indus Valley Civilisation?

• They possessed great palaces and temples

• They worshipped both male and female deities.

• They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.

Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.

• 1 and 2 only

• 2 only

• 1, 2, and 3

• None of the above

Ans: 2