Why in news
On September 20, 1924, The Illustrated London News published an article by John Marshall, announcing the discovery of the "civilisation of the Indus Valley," which revealed a long-forgotten prehistoric culture.
This groundbreaking news has had a lasting impact on South Asia, influencing historical and archaeological studies for the past century
Harappan civilisation
The history of India begins with the birth of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), also known as Harappan Civilization.
Major sites include Harappa, discovered by Daya Ram Sahni in 1921, and Mohenjo-daro, excavated by Rakhal Das Banerji in 1922.
Both sites revealed similar artifacts, indicating a shared civilization.
The Indus Valley was home to the largest of the four ancient urban civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, India and China
The civilisation burgeoned on the banks of the Indus and Saraswati rivers, the latter of which is believed to have dried up around 1900 BC.
Civilization Timeline:
Early Phase: 3200 BC to 2600 BC.
Mature Period: 2600 BC to 1900 BC.
Late Phase: 1900 BC to 1500 BC
Geographical Extent:
Spread over 1.5 million sq.km across India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Approximately 1,500 sites in northwestern India.
About 500 sites in Pakistan.
Key Excavations
Harappa (Pakistan) First discovered - near river Ravi
Mohenjo-daro (Pakistan) - river Indus
Ganweriwala (Pakistan) - on the dry riverbed of the Ghaggar-Hakra
Rakhigarhi (Haryana, India)
Dholavira (Gujarat, India)
Daimabad (Maharashtra, India): Southernmost outpost - Pravara River, a tributary of the Godavari River
Mehrgarh (Balochistan): Earliest roots of the civilization around 7000 BC
Features
Technological Advancements:
Known for advanced town planning, the civilization featured reservoirs, drainage systems, and fortified structures, showcasing their engineering prowess.
Art and Crafts:
Artisans produced finely crafted seals, painted pottery, and jewelry, demonstrating high levels of skill in metallurgy and crafts.
Seals typically contained motifs and writing within a size of 2 cm by 1.5 cm
Standardization and Measures:
The civilization utilized standardized weights and bricks, highlighting a sophisticated understanding of measurements and construction techniques.
Use of burnt bricks with a ratio of 1:2:4, optimal for construction
Writing System:
The Harappan script remains undeciphered but is characterized by its distinct symbols, often found on seals, indicating a form of communication.
Cultural Influence:
The civilization had maritime trade connections with West Asia, expanding its influence beyond the Indian subcontinent.
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