Indus Valley Civilization

Indus Valley Civilization (also known as the Harappan Civilization, Indus-Sarasvati Civilization, or Sindhu-Saraswati Civilization) was a Bronze Age civilization that developed around 3300–1300 BCE in the northwestern regions of South Asia, extending from what today is northeast Afghanistan to Pakistan and northwest India. It is one of the three oldest urban civilizations, along with Egypt and Mesopotamia, but it is the least understood.

Origins

The origins of the Indus Valley Civilization remain a topic of debate. Some theories suggest that it evolved from the Neolithic period, while others propose that it was influenced by the Bronze Age cultures of Central Asia. The civilization is noted for its cities built of brick, roadside drainage system, and multistoried houses.

Geography

The Indus Valley Civilization encompassed most of Pakistan, extending from Balochistan to Sindh, and into the westernmost part of Western India. It was one of the most widespread civilizations of the ancient world, covering an area of 1.25 million km².

Society and Culture

The society of the Indus Valley Civilization was highly organized, with a clear division of labor and social stratification. The civilization is noted for its technological innovation, including the development of standardized weights and measures, seal carving, and metallurgy with copper, bronze, lead, and tin.

The culture of the Indus Valley Civilization is characterized by its sophisticated urban planning, with cities like Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, and Lothal featuring grid-like street layouts, advanced drainage systems, and large public baths.

Decline

The decline of the Indus Valley Civilization is often attributed to a combination of ecological factors and invasions by Indo-Aryan tribes. However, the exact causes remain a subject of ongoing research and debate.

Legacy

The Indus Valley Civilization left a lasting legacy in the form of its urban planning, technological innovations, and artistic traditions, many of which continue to influence South Asian cultures today.

See also

• History of India
• Bronze Age
• Ancient Civilizations