September 20, 2025, marks the 101st anniversary of the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s earliest urban cultures. Also known as the Harappan Civilization, it flourished in the northwestern regions of South Asia, along the Indus River and its tributaries.
What Was the Indus Valley Civilization?
- A Bronze Age civilization that thrived between 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE, with early settlements dating back to 3200 BCE.
- First excavated at Harappa (in present-day Pakistan), giving the civilization its alternate name, Harappan Civilization.
- Rooted in Mehrgarh, Balochistan, which dates back to 7000 BCE.
- Spread across more than 1.5 million square kilometers, covering parts of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
- Recognized as one of the three earliest civilizations, alongside Egypt and Mesopotamia.
- Known for advanced urban planning, including brick houses, drainage systems, and standardized weights.
Discoverers of the Indus Valley Civilization
- John Marshall, then Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), announced the discovery in 1921 as the “civilization of the Indus Valley.”
- Key archaeologists:
- Daya Ram Sahni – Excavated Harappa, uncovering seals, pottery, and beads (1921-22).
- Rakhal Das Banerji – Excavated Mohenjo-Daro, finding seals and copper artifacts (1922).
Phases of the Indus Valley Civilization
- Early Phase (3200–2600 BCE) – Initial settlements and proto-urban structures.
- Mature Period (2600–1900 BCE) – Peak urbanization, trade, and culture.
- Late Phase (1900–1500 BCE) – Decline due to ecological changes, internal conflicts, or climate shifts.
Sites Today: Around 2,000 Harappan sites have been discovered:
- India: ~1,500 sites across Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir.
- Pakistan: ~500 sites.
- Afghanistan: A few smaller settlements.
Key Features of Harappan Civilization
- Urban Planning: Cities laid out in grids with brick houses, courtyards, wells, and efficient drainage.
- Craftsmanship: Jewelry in gold, silver, ivory, clay, and semi-precious stones; pottery with red and black designs; bronze, terracotta, and steatite artifacts.
- Society & Religion: Possible hierarchical structure; iconic figures like the Priest-King, animal motifs, and religious seals.
- Agriculture & Trade: Cultivated wheat, barley, peas, and cotton; practiced animal husbandry; engaged in extensive trade with standardized weights and seals.
- Technology: Bronze production, weaving, boat-making, bead-making, and industrial crafts.
Major Sites of the Indus Valley Civilization
Mohenjo-Daro
- Located in Sindh, Pakistan, flourished 2600–1900 BCE.
- Famous structures:
- Great Bath – Large waterproofed tank for ritual bathing.
- Granary – 27 chambers for food storage.
- Assembly Hall – Social and administrative center.
- Iconic artifacts: Mother Goddess, Priest-King, Dancing Girl, and Pashupati Seal.
Dholavira
- Located in Gujarat, inhabited 3000–1800 BCE, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Walled city with fortifications, reservoirs, and public baths.
- Advanced water management with 16 reservoirs and step wells.
Kalibangan
- Located in Rajasthan, along the now-dry Ghaggar River.
- Known for fire altars, ploughed fields, and trepanned skulls.
Lothal
- Located in Gujarat, southernmost Harappan port city (~2200 BCE).
- Featured the world’s earliest known dock, supporting maritime trade.
Rakhigarhi
- In Haryana, one of the largest Indus Valley sites.
- Will host the world’s largest Harappan museum.
- Evidence of toy culture, standardized weights, and seal usage.
Chanhudaro
- Industrial town near Mohenjo-Daro.
- Renowned for carnelian beads, baked bricks, and seal-making.
Other Sites
| Site | Location | Key Findings |
| Sutkagendor | Baluchistan | Trade with Babylon, flint blades, BMAC copper-bronze disc |
| Amri | Near Balochistan | Evidence of antelope and rhinoceros |
| Surkotada | Gujarat | Horse bones, beads |
| Banawali | Haryana | Radial streets, barley, toy plough |
Decline of Indus Valley Civilization
- Causes remain debated: ecological shifts, river course changes, climate change, weaker monsoons, migration, and possible invasions or internal conflict.
Conclusion
The Indus Valley Civilization stands as a timeless testament to human ingenuity, urban planning, and cultural sophistication in ancient South Asia. Over 4,000 years ago, its people built well-planned cities, mastered trade, and laid the foundation for one of the earliest known urban societies. Even after 101 years of its discovery, the Harappan Civilization continues to fascinate historians and archaeologists alike—offering new insights into India’s ancient heritage and the shared roots of modern civilization.
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