The Indus Valley Civilization
MAIN SITE:
For many years after the discovery of the different sites, it was believed that this civilization was limited to the valley of River Indus and its tributaries. Civilization was spread over a much larger area. Besides Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, remains of this civilization have been found at Banawali(Haryana), Rupar(Punjab), Alamgirpur(Utter Pardesh)Kalibagan (Rajasthan) and at many more place.
SOURCE
Our knowledge of the Indus Valley Civilization is largely derived from archaeological sources such as the granaries at Harappa, the Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro, and artefacts such as ornaments, pots, statues, seal, etc.The Indus script, being undeciphered till now, has not been of much help to us.
PERIOD
The Indus Valley Civilization flourished roughly between 2500-1500 BC. In some areas, it continued even after this. It existed around the same time as a civilization in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China.
MAIN FEATURES
Most Indus cities were divided into two parts-the the citadel and the lower town. The citadel was built on a raised ground and enclosed by high walls. The lower town, which was much lager, contained the houses and workplaces of the common people
BUILDING ON THE CITADEL
Harappa Amongst the most impressive building found at Harappa, mention must be made of the two rows of six granaries, popularly known as the Great Granary.
DOCKYARD
A Dockyard built of bricks has been excavated at Lothal. It shows that the Harappa were familiar with ships. God made in the Harappa cities were probably exported from here and goods coming from outside were also unloaded here.
SOCIETY
Society probably consisted of three social groups. Priests and rich merchants formed the ruling class. They lived in the citadel. The second group was that of small merchants, artisans, and craftsmen. They lived in the lower town. The lived-in small huts outside the city.
FOOD
Wheat and barley were the main crops. They were used to make bread. Oil was extracted from mustard. Evidence from Lothal suggests that rice was cultivated.People ate meat,fish,eggs,milk,fruits,and vegetable
RELIGION
We know about the religion of the Harappan people from the objects discovered from different sites.No temple has been found. The Great Bath might be a religious structure.Probably.it was used for ritual bathing.
Summery
.The Indus Valley Civilization flourished roughly between 2500 BC and 1500 BC. Many sites of civilizations have been excavated.
.The citied was divided into the citadel and the lower town. The Lowertown had residential structure.
.All citied was well-planned. They had wide roads, a house built of baked bricks, and an excellent drained system.
.People grew wheat, barely, musted, and rice. Clothes made of cotton and wool were used Both men and women wore ornaments.
.Most people were farmers there were also many traders,metal-worker, potters, bricklayers, and Manson.
.The Harappans traded with Mesopotamia, Persia, and Afghanistan. Trade was based on barter.
.The Harappans traded script was pictographic. It has not yet been deciphered.
.Natural disasters or invasions may have led to the decline of civilization.