Harappa

View of Granary and Great Hall on Mound F - Archaeological site of Harappa

Harappa is an archaeological site in the Punjab region of Pakistan, part of the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world's earliest urban centers. Harappa is located in the Sahiwal District of Punjab, northeast of the city of Sahiwal. The site takes its name from a modern village located near the former course of the Ravi River. The current village of Harappa is less than 1 km (0.62 mi) from the ancient site. Although the extensive urban ruins of the ancient city are today quite visible, its original plan and architecture are still being excavated, studied, and preserved.

History

The origins of the Harappa civilization go back to around 3300 BCE. The Harappa phase (2600–1900 BCE), part of the mature phase of the Indus Valley Civilization, shows the city at its peak. The site covers an area of over 150 hectares (370 acres), making it one of the largest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization. It is believed to have had as many as 23,500 residents at its peak, based on archaeological findings.

Harappa, like other sites of the Indus Valley Civilization, was characterized by its advanced urban planning, including the world's first known urban sanitation systems. The city was divided into a citadel area where public buildings and administrative centers were located and a lower city where the general populace lived. The buildings were made of standardized fired bricks, and the city had a sophisticated drainage system.

Excavation

The site of Harappa was first discovered in the 1820s by Charles Masson, but systematic archaeological excavations did not begin until 1920, led by Sir John Marshall. Since then, numerous excavations have taken place, revealing much about the layout and life of the city. However, much of Harappa remains unexcavated to this day, and ongoing archaeological work continues to provide insights into the civilization.

Culture and Economy

The people of Harappa engaged in a variety of economic activities, including agriculture, trade, and craft production. They cultivated wheat, barley, and possibly rice, and domesticated animals such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and elephants. Trade was an important aspect of the Harappan economy, with connections to Mesopotamia and other regions, as evidenced by the discovery of Harappan seals and goods in those areas.

Artifacts such as terracotta figurines, beads, pottery, and seals found at Harappa provide insight into the daily life, religious beliefs, and artistic achievements of its inhabitants. The use of seals, with inscriptions still undeciphered, suggests a complex administrative system and possibly a form of writing.

Decline

The decline of Harappa, and the Indus Valley Civilization as a whole, began around 1900 BCE and is not fully understood. Theories for the decline include climate change, overuse of resources, and the shifting or drying up of the Ravi River. By around 1500 BCE, Harappa was no longer occupied, marking the end of the urban phase of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Legacy

Today, Harappa is recognized as a critical site for understanding the Indus Valley Civilization. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its importance in the study of ancient urbanism and the development of human civilizations.