Indus Valley Civilization (also known as Harappan Civilization as it was the first site to be discovered): The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations, flourishing in the region of present-day India and Pakistan around 3300 to 1300 BCE. It is known for its advanced urban planning, sophisticated trade networks, and unique script that is yet to be fully deciphered.
Cities:
- Harappa: One of the major urban centers, located in present-day Pakistan. It had a well-planned layout with streets laid out in a grid pattern, advanced drainage systems, and multi-roomed houses.
- Mohenjo-Daro: Another significant city, situated in present-day Pakistan. It featured an intricate layout with a Great Bath, public wells, and a large central citadel.
- Dholavira: Located in present-day Gujarat, India, it is known for its impressive water management systems, including reservoirs and dams.
- Lothal: Positioned in Gujarat, it was an important maritime trading center with a dockyard that provided access to the sea.
Trade: The Indus Valley Civilization engaged in long-distance trade, evidenced by the discovery of seals, pottery, and other artifacts in various regions. Trade networks extended to regions like Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), Central Asia, and the Persian Gulf. Valuable resources such as pottery, beads, metal objects, and possibly cotton were exchanged. The standardized weights and measures found at Harappan sites suggest a well-organized trade system.
Architecture and Technology:
- Brick Construction: Harappan cities were characterized by uniform brick sizes, and their buildings were constructed with burnt bricks using a grid pattern.
- Advanced Drainage Systems: The cities featured well-designed drainage systems with covered drains running alongside streets, ensuring efficient waste disposal and sanitation.
- Public Buildings: The citadels in these cities contained public structures such as granaries, assembly halls, and the famous Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro, likely used for ritualistic or ceremonial purposes.
- Pottery: Intricately designed pottery was a hallmark of the civilization, with various shapes and sizes used for different purposes.
Script: The Indus Valley Civilization had a script that is still undeciphered. The script appears on seals, pottery, and other artifacts, suggesting the existence of a written language. However, due to the limited number of inscriptions and the lack of a bilingual script for comparison, its meanings remain a mystery.
Despite the challenges of deciphering the script, the Indus Valley Civilization’s contribution to urban planning, architecture, and trade showcases its advanced level of societal organization and technological prowess. This civilization provides valuable insights into the early history of the Indian subcontinent.
Multiple choice questions –
Q.1) Where was Harappa located?
A) India B) Pakistan C) Sri Lanka D) Afganistan
Q.2) Which city of the Indus Valley Civilization had a Great Bath?
A) Harappa B) Mohenjo-Daro C) Dholavira D) Lothal
Q.3) What valuable resource was possibly exchanged through trade by the Indus Valley Civilization?
A) Spices B) Glassware C) Cotton D) Silk
Q.4) What was a hallmark of the Indus Valley Civilization’s pottery?
A) Intricate designs B) Large size C) Metal construction D) Colorful patterns
Q.5) What is the current status of the Indus Valley Civilization’s script?
A) Fully deciphered B) Partially deciphered C) Undeciphered D) Lost
Answers
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| B | B | C | A | C |